The battle to Save Lodge Hill is so important and has such far reaching consequences for wildlife that it brought together the leading conservation charities with one voice.
The Wildlife Trusts, Woodland Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Buglife, Friends of the North Kent Marshes and Medway Countryside Forum have all been fighting to #SaveLodgeHill for wildlife too. Together, our members and supporters have been taking action to help save this site, repeatedly asking Medway Council to find alternatives to building here, as the nation's planning rules say they should.
The huge numbers of nightingale lovers have been heard and Homes England have announced that they are revising their housing plans for Lodge Hill. The proposed reduction in the number of houses is an important step in the right direction, although we remain concerned should housing still be proposed right next to the site. We will continue to work to ensure that Homes England's final plans safeguard Lodge Hill and its wildlife for the nation.
Lodge Hill was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because it is the most important site for nightingales in the whole of the UK. Its designation was also because it is home to other rare and threatened species too, including owls, reptiles, bats, ancient woodland and rare grassland. Purple emperor butterflies, another species with a limited range, were also rediscovered in the area last summer. Who knows what other secrets the site holds?
Chris Corrigan, Director, RSPB England said
“Lodge Hill in Kent is recognised as the most important site for the nightingale in the UK, so plans to cover the area in concrete were met with shock and astonishment. As a recognised Site of Special Scientific Interest we should all expect it to be protected from development. Over 10,000 people have repeatedly voiced their objection.
The 10,000 voices of RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust supporters have been heard and Homes England are revising the plans. We still need to see the final plans, so there is still some way to go, but this is an important step in the right direction. We will continue to work to ensure that the final plans safeguard Lodge Hill and its wildlife for the nation.”