Wildlife & Environment

The land north of Cockreed Lane is far more than an open field. Its hedgerows, grassland and surrounding watercourses form part of a wider habitat network that supports birds, mammals, insects and other wildlife. Development has the potential to permanently alter these habitats through the loss of green space, increased disturbance, artificial lighting and greater human activity. Before any decisions are made, residents believe there should be clear, independent evidence that the impact on local wildlife and the environment has been fully understood and that irreplaceable habitats are properly protected.

A Connected Habitat

The fields, hedgerows and watercourses around Cockreed Lane form part of a connected landscape that allows wildlife to feed, shelter and move safely between habitats. While a single field may appear ordinary, it often plays an important role within a much larger ecological network. Breaking these connections through housing, roads and gardens can fragment habitats and make it harder for wildlife to survive and thrive.

Wildlife Needs More Than Green Space

Many species rely on quiet, undisturbed habitats. Development introduces traffic, lighting, noise, pets and increased human activity, all of which can affect wildlife long after construction has finished. Simply retaining areas of green space does not necessarily replace the habitats that have been lost or maintain the conditions many species depend upon.

Once Habitats Are Lost, They’re Difficult to Replace

New trees and landscaping can provide valuable benefits, but they cannot instantly recreate mature hedgerows, established grassland or long-standing ecological networks. Many habitats take decades to develop, supporting countless plants, insects and animals over time. Protecting existing habitats is often far more effective than trying to recreate them after development.

What the Developer Says

“Open spaces… for recreation and for nature.”

Green space and wildlife habitat are not the same thing. Recreational areas are designed for people, while many species depend on quiet, undisturbed environments with established vegetation. Lawns, footpaths and play areas cannot replace the ecological value of existing farmland and natural habitats.

“Trees and hedgerows will be retained where possible.”

Retaining some hedgerows is welcome, but it does not preserve the wider habitat. Wildlife depends on connected landscapes, and once those connections are broken by roads, housing and gardens, many species find it harder to move, feed and breed.

“Biodiversity gains.”

Biodiversity Net Gain aims to improve habitats, but it should not be seen as a replacement for what already exists. Mature grassland, hedgerows and established ecosystems take decades to develop and cannot simply be recreated through new landscaping.

“Looking at… ecology.”

Ecological surveys are an important part of the planning process, but they should provide a complete picture of how the development could affect wildlife. Residents also want confidence that the evidence is thorough, transparent and properly scrutinised before any irreversible decisions are made.

Fact Check

✓ Romney Marsh is recognised nationally and internationally for its exceptional wildlife, with numerous protected sites including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Special Areas of Conservation (SAC), Special Protection Areas (SPA), Ramsar wetlands and National Nature Reserves (NNR).¹

✓ Approximately 400 water vole ditches have been recorded on Romney Marsh, making it a nationally important stronghold for one of Britain’s most threatened mammals.¹

✓ Romney Marsh supports a wide range of protected and priority species, including water voles, great crested newts, brown hares, breeding and wintering birds, rare plants and nationally important bat populations. Water vole habitat is protected under Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, making it an offence to damage or destroy places used for shelter or protection.¹ ³

✓ Romney Marsh has been designated an Important Invertebrate Area (IIA), recognising it as one of Britain’s most important landscapes for rare, threatened and nationally significant invertebrate species.⁴

✓ Kent’s Nature Recovery Strategy identifies Romney Marsh & Rye Bay as a priority landscape where existing habitats should be protected and enhanced, no further coastal vegetated shingle should be lost, and more than 100 hectares of new grazing marsh should be created as part of a landscape-scale restoration programme covering over 1,000 hectares.³

✓ Romney Marsh’s extensive ditch network is essential not only for managing water levels but also for connecting habitats and supporting a wide range of wildlife across the landscape.² ⁵

✓ Much of Romney Marsh’s historic marshland has already been lost through drainage and agricultural intensification. Around 55% of the remaining landscape is still considered undisturbed, but Natural England warns that this tranquillity is under increasing pressure from future development and urban expansion.² ⁵

✓ Romney Marsh supports nationally important populations of breeding and wintering farmland birds, while winter flocks of golden plover and lapwing can number in the thousands.¹

✓ Water vole populations on Romney Marsh have already declined following flooding, drought and changing water levels, highlighting how sensitive the area’s wildlife is to changes in water management.¹