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The swamps, pastures and reed beds along the Thames where developers want to build a theme park have been listed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in recognition of their rare and diverse insect life.
Natural England’s decision to recognize the national importance of the Swanscombe Peninsula, which is home to 1,991 species of invertebrates, more than any other known site in the country, was welcomed by activists hoping to save the partially abandoned London Resort site from 3.5 billion pounds. .
Giving SSSI status to wetlands and old concrete works, one of only two places where the distinguished jumping spider is found, would normally protect the area from development. But the government has deemed the proposed theme park an “infrastructure project of national importance,” a classification normally reserved for major roads or airports, meaning that environmental factors can be overridden during the planning process.
Matt Shardlow, Executive Director of Buglife, thanked Natural England “for doing the right thing in protecting one of the country’s most important wildlife sites,” but added: “The Swanscombe Peninsula remains under threat and it is critical that a by allowing a fun fair to be considered more important than the wildlife that inspires awe and sustains us. “
Buglife, the RSPB and the Kent Wildlife Trust called on Natural England to “do everything in its power” to ensure that the recently proposed SSSI is protected and that the government is fully aware of the “exceptional value” of the Swanscombe Peninsula and the broader ecology of the Thames estuary.
James Seymour, Sussex and Kent Area Manager for Natural England, said: “The designation of the Swanscombe Peninsula as SSSI is great news for one of the richest sites in England for invertebrates, as it guarantees an essential refuge for many rare and threatened species that sadly cannot thrive in a larger landscape.
“Right on the doorstep of some of our most densely populated towns and cities, this new SSSI will also offer wonderful opportunities for people to connect with nature along the England coast road. This area is living proof that some of our most important species can thrive hand in hand with business and transportation infrastructure. Special places like this will form the vital backbone of a national nature recovery network. “
Natural England said it was aware of the “potential development opportunities” around Swanscombe and the SSSI designation for 250 hectares of the peninsula was an important step in ensuring that its environmental value was “duly taken into account” in any future planning decisions. .
PY Gerbeau, Chief Executive Officer of London Resort Company Holdings, said: “The project will of course continue, and this is just another topic to be addressed in the long history of this project.”
He added: “Sustainability is a common thread in all London Resort proposals and we are very proud of that. We have demonstrated, in thousands of pages within our application, our vision of generating a net gain in biodiversity and our commitment to improving and managing habitats. A millionaire investment because we believe in sustainability and in our role as stewards of the environment.
“We have demonstrated how we plan to transform a former contaminated industrial site, through this rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. An opportunity that will create thousands of jobs, generate substantial economic growth and boost tourism with the UK’s first world-class theme park complex. “
