The M4 diversion across the Gwent Levels – Where is it at, and what are we doing next?

Guest blog by Mike Webb, RSPB Cymru Senior Policy Officer

It’s been a few weeks of dramatic politics and the conservation team have been busy considering what Brexit could mean for the Welsh Environment (see more here). But rest assured, the M4 motorway diversion campaign is still a high priority for the policy team here at RSPB Cymru. If you took part in our recent campaign action regarding the M4 proposals it’s likely you will have recently received a letter or email from the Welsh Government. We are very concerned that the Government is determined to plough ahead, you can read more on this below.

We’re excited to report that an enormous number of our members and supporters objected to the Welsh Government’s proposal for a new motorway across the beautiful and fragile Gwent Levels in South Wales. Over 5,300 of you took this action, sending a message loud and clear that nature’s home in the Levels will not be given up without a fight. I’m sure the Welsh Government must have been taken aback by the sheer number of concerns raised about the project.

Meanwhile, the official side of things continues. The Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for the Economy and Infrastructure, Ken Skates, has announced that a public inquiry will take place this autumn. What this means is that an independent inspector will hear what people have to say about the proposals, before making his recommendations to Mr Skates, who will then decide what happens next.

Many people who voiced their concerns, (including the RSPB), have now received a letter or an email from the Welsh Government, setting out their reasons for the new motorway, responding to the environmental concerns which people have raised, and asking people if they want to withdraw their objections. We’ve reviewed this letter which essentially restates the Welsh Government’s original case: we remain unconvinced by their arguments. For example:

• There will be permanent loss of several miles of freshwater ditches rich in aquatic plants and invertebrates – the reason why the Gwent Levels are marked out as special. We have seen no evidence to demonstrate that these can be successfully re-created elsewhere to provide a permanent home to the displaced wildlife, and we have questioned whether the proposed design of the new ditches is up to scratch;
• Similarly, we question the likely success of proposals to replace the permanent loss of almost 90 ha of coastal grazing marsh, home to breeding waders that have declined in Wales and elsewhere in the UK.
• We consider it likely that the proposal underestimates the loss of the species-rich grassland that is home to the shrill carder bee, present here in one of its UK strongholds.

These are just some examples of our concerns. We will certainly not be withdrawing our objection. The casework team here at RSPB Cymru is busy preparing to take part in the inquiry.

If you wish to maintain your objection you don’t need to do anything. Not answering the letter will be interpreted by the Welsh Government as meaning that you are still objecting. There’s absolutely no need for anyone who objected to go to the public inquiry either – the inspector must consider your view regardless.

You can keep up to date by reading this blog where we will report any developments.

We are grateful for your continued support on this important issue and thank you.