A Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Kent is under threat from a new theme park development.
Swanscombe Peninsula was declared an SSSI when Kent Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and Buglife, called on Natural England to protect the site from the threat of new development.
The site supports over 250 species, including various nationally scarce flowering plants and a vast population of breeding birds that are of conservation concern.
Usually being declared an SSSI protects sites from developments and other forms of damage. However the London Resort Theme Park which is the development threatening the site has been declared a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP). NSIP's are usually declared for major roads, power plants and airports, and enables their applications to bypass normal planning processes. Unfortunately this means any environmental impacts from such projects can be declared as acceptable on balance of economic benefits.
Kent Wildlife Trust, the RSPB and Buglife are now trying to get Natural England to do everything to protect this SSSI, to avoid the loss of an important wildlife site.
Richard Bloor, from Kent Wildlife Trust said: "It is fantastic that Natural England has, today, recognised that the Swanscombe Peninsula as an SSSI. This wildlife-rich area is now formally seen as a nationally important site that protects flagship species such as the critically endangered distinguished jumping spider, and populations of many other animals and plants."
"Despite this, the fight to save this haven for wildlife is only just beginning. We must ensure that the Swanscombe Peninsula, alongside other SSSIs, are fully protected from any further development, and bought into better condition as part of the Nature Recovery Network, ensuring that the UK becomes a less nature-depleted place whilst tackling the nature and climate crises."
