Mon, 31 Mar at 18:58
Scheme Name: Todrig NWC
Scheme No: 25FGS84239
Grid Ref NT411184
Nearest Village: Ashkirk
Dear Jenny,
I am writing on behalf of Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk and Midlem Community Council (LAMCC) to express our very serious concerns about the woodland creation scheme at Todrig. At the time of the original consultation process we submitted our initial response to the best of our knowledge at that time, i.e. restricted to the limited information we were presented with.
Since then, we have become aware of other matters that materially change our original response. We now know that because of the large scale of this scheme – 400 hectares (just under 1000 acres) – it MUST be treated as an EIA project under the 2017 Scottish Forestry EIA Regulations.
Given the location, size and the presence of valuable habitat within the site, a proposal of this scale will have significant impact on landscape and ecology at the very least, along with cumulative impacts on the surrounding areas. LAMCC needs to be assured that thorough ecological and environmental impact assessments have been completed, particularly as we have not to date had sight of any ecological survey data relating to the site. This is NOT acceptable.
A high level of ecological assessment is of especial importance as we are informed that there are areas of rock rose on site (the food plant of protected Northern Brown Argus Butterflies) and regular sightings of Fritillary species of butterfly. Many possible ecological indicator species and rarities will only be present at certain times of the year – we are very worried that without thorough survey and investigation over a full 12-month period, these precious habitats and many protected species will be lost.
We BELIEVE that this scheme should be halted until a High-Level EIA and seasonal ecological surveying has been undertaken. We request that all findings are shared with the LAMCC. and a realistic timescale agreed for the LAMCC to seek advice from experts and then provide a full and informed response.
I look forward to hearing back from you
Kind regards Camilla Fowler
Chair Lilliesleaf, Ashkirk and Midlem Community Council (LAMCC)
