WILD (Watchdog for Intrusive Local Development) is a group of local residents in Albourne and Sayers Common formed to challenge inappropriate development in our local area.
We heartily welcome the Sussex LNRS and want to commend those involved for their hard work in producing a document which should become an essential resource for years to come for all local people interested in protecting and enhancing our natural environment. The strategy provides a vital assessment of the current position and points to priorities and projects which, if fulfilled, will make a measurable difference in maintaining and improving the flora and fauna of Sussex, and preserving local landscapes.
To build on this great work we strongly believe the map should include a third category representing large conservation projects undertaken by community groups. Without formal record of such works, the LNRS map presents blank areas suggesting land of limited value to nature. Our concern is that such areas in contrast with mapped high value areas will actually attract urban development and destroy nature where these important success have been achieved.
Groups such as The Woodland Flora and Fauna group have worked tirelessly for decades to support nature in our area. Their barn owl map spreads from Staplefield to Fulking and includes Sayers Common and Albourne. Owls and other key species they support such as bats, dormice and kingfishers rely on current habitats remaining stable. Unless this work is represented, the successes achieved will be disregarded and lost. At scale, these losses would seriously impact the 10 year vision predictions for nature improvement.
We hope you will take our concerns on board, the rich and valuable habitats of the Low Wealden countryside deserve every support. We look forward to the end of consultation and formal approval of the strategy and believe it will act as an indispensable guide for local organisations, policy makers and individuals.