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| Just one part of a mosaic of different habitats at Langdon Ridge - this lush wildflower meadow |
A LANDSCAPE-scale site in Essex has
been awarded Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) status.
The formal designation for Langdon Ridge, near Basildon,
was unanimously approved at yesterday's meeting of the board of Natural England.
Two members - Kevin Etherden and Rachael Etherden-Rolls - of
the family of a neighbouring landowner had opposed the designation, but neither
attended yesterday's meeting in York.
Nor did they have representation, but their concerns were acknowledged and
considered.
One of the duo's concerns was that Natural England was not
impartial and hence unable to arrive at an objective decision.
There were 15 letters of support for the project which
covers a mosaic-like habitat, totalling 358 hectares, which is rich in wild flowers (including the
Deptford pink) and numerous butterflies (including the rare grizzled skipper)
plus many more butterfly , moth and other insect species.
The land is owned almost 50-50 by Essex Wildlife Trust and
neighbouring local authorities, such as Basildon and Thurrock
councils, with three per cent in private hands.
Board director Dr Simon Lyster, who lives in Essex
and is a member of the county wildlife trust, provided an outline history of
the site and welcomed the fact that a nature conservation site was flourishing
so close to the edge of a large town.
He praised the enthusiasm of the team of site rangers and
scientists and other Natural England officers for their commitment to making the SSSI a success.
"On my last visit, it was alive with insects,"he
enthused.
Similar plaudits were sounded by the board's acting
chairman, Lord Blencathra.
Another director, Andy Clements , was pleased to receive
assurance that the Deptford pink was a native species - not an escapee from
neighbouring farmland.
Langdon Ridge encompasses sites that are well known for
their nature including the Dunton Plotlands Nature Reserve, Langdon
Hills Country Park,
Marks Hill Wood and Willow Park.
Aidan Lonergan, Natural England’s Area Manager for West
Anglia, commented: "While nature conservation is the primary
aim of the new SSSI, given its location on the urban edge, the importance of
this area for people has not been ignored.
" The designation will ensure that local communities
continue to have this amazing natural resource available as part of their daily
lives.
"Research has shown how the natural environment
provides society with benefits in terms of helping mental and physical health,
offering informal recreation opportunities, inspiration for art, and helping
people feel connected with their local area."
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| Foss House in York where the board of Natural England reached its decision |
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