Nightingale victory in England

This video is about a singing nightingale.

From Wildlife Extra:

Public opinion forces UK government to hold enquiry over Nightingale site development

The Government has heeded pleas from more than 12,400 people concerned about the future of England’s finest Nightingale site – Lodge Hill in Kent.

It has called in for a public inquiry on an application to build 5,000 homes on Lodge Hill, a Site of Special Scientific Interest in Kent.

Martin Harper, Conservation Director of the RSPB, which led a campaign in support of the site, says: “There has been public outrage and condemnation that a site of national importance for wildlife has been considered for development without public scrutiny.

“We are delighted that the Government has listened to these concerns, and has reached the only logical conclusion.”

Call in means that this case will be examined at the highest level where the full merits and values of the site and associated issues can be aired.

Martin adds: “Through an inquiry we hope and expect that this development will be rejected and the future of this Site of Special Scientific Interest will be secured.

“The important issue of housing allocation in North Kent should proceed without impacting on nationally important wildlife sites.”

Lodge Hill is perhaps the most important site for Nightingales in England. It also has other nationally important features, such as rare types of grassland and ancient woodland.

The RSPB’s campaign was supported by the Kent Wildlife Trust, Buglife, Butterfly Conservation and the Woodland Trust. It attracted over 12,400 signatures.

The Government has recognised that public support for the protection of the site was influential in encouraging ministers to decide to call in the decision for public inquiry.