Buglife is extremely disappointed that the Government has approved the expansion of Lydd Airport in Kent.
Thursday 11 April 2013
The neighbouring site at Dungeness is known to be home to a number of rare and endangered invertebrates including the Sussex Emerald moth.
Alice Farr, Buglife Planning Manager said "We have opposed these plans for a number of years due to the impact of the airport on Dungeness, a habitat of international importance. This decision is a clear signal from the Government that the environment is of low priority and could be an indication of future decisions on development that are still to be taken".
Alice said "Dungeness is internationally important as the largest shingle foreland in Europe. The area is of national and arguably international importance for invertebrates; including the Medicinal leech (Hirudo medicinalis), the Sussex Emerald moth (Thalera fimbrialis) and significant bumblebee populations including the UK Biodiversity Action Plan priority Brown-banded carder bee (Bombus humilis). Developing the airport so close to this site will have a detrimental affect for invertebrates".
Several other Biodiversity Action Plan species are present on the site, including the White Spot moth (Hadena albimacula) and Toadflax Brocade moth (Calophasia lunula).
