The Woodland Trust have reported that more than 50+ hectares of irreplaceable ancient woodland could be in danger if Kent County Council allows the expansion of Hermitage Quarry. Oaken Wood sits between East Barming and Aylesford and backs on to Gallagher Group’s Hermitage Quarry.
The huge expansion of Hermitage Quarry has been put forward as part of Kent County Council’s Mineral Sites Plan.
In the face of the climate and nature crises, such huge loss of ancient woodland is entirely unacceptable.
The loss of ancient woodland from this scheme could be greater than the losses from HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing combined. It is the biggest single development threat to ancient woodland in England for decades.
In 2013, an extension to the quarry was approved by Government and as a result the quarry now occupies 32 hectares of what was once precious ancient woodland. Since then, protection for ancient woodland has been strengthened in planning policy.
According to the Woodland Trust, the proposals aren’t clear on exactly how much ancient woodland will be taken, but analysis suggests at least 50 hectares is likely.
Kent County Council has launched a consultation allowing you to share your views on the Hermitage Quarry expansion proposal. The consultation closes on 25 July 2023.
The Woodland Trusts campaign page can be found here.
