I object. I find this matter absolute lunacy and that this proposal has even been considered.
Fritton Woods is renowned for its natural beauty and a large variety of protected wildlife. Also, it is prime hunting ground for birds of prey, especially owls.
Owls and birds of prey form an integral part of the biodiversity structure. They play a vital part in vermin control. Also, not all species of owl that we have in our area are totally nocturnal.
The lighting, noise, dust, air and water pollution, along with woodland devastation and disruption will destroy their hunting ability, food supply, shelter and habitat. Along with many other wildlife species. The list is vast.
I do my utmost to encourage owls back to Priory Farm and its surroundings. Various owl boxes have been erected as well as wildlife surveillance cameras to monitor their well-being and hunting and they are thriving. I am also in close liaison with Fritton Owl Sanctuary.
Part of Fritton Woods borders Priory Farm and since it has become Hillside Animal Sanctuary, wildlife, etc has flourished.
Areas of land here have been left undisturbed by grazing or cutting to allow the insects and bees to have a wild and natural area among the various grasses and wild flowers, etc. The bee population is expanding with many different species. I have personally planted a variety of bee and pollinating insect attraction plants and shrubs, which are successful. The project has produced amazing results.
The different areas that owl species rely on for survival are also carefully managed as to their individual requirements. Some hunt in open grassland, others in woods, others amazingly will hunt on the ground. If their food supply is bountiful and they feel no threat, they are as excellent at adapting as they are to hunting. Providing, of course, that the surroundings are amicable.
The hedgerows have been properly maintained and new ones planted along with young and established trees. This process enables our garden and woodland birds, etc to have extra natural habitat in which to thrive and our various bird populations, here at Priory Farm are vast.
Priory Farm in St Olaves, bordering Fritton Woods, has become a tranquil haven for all of nature's and wildlife's wonders and it is a very serene location.
Surely that proves that our conservation, good management and preservation, as well as the introduction of different requirements to keep existing wildlife and to attract new and other wildlife, is the key to a natural environmental balance. As to which, we have successfully achieved.
The proposals for mineral extraction, etc of Fritton Woods/ Waveney Forest and the destruction of our adjoining woodland, with dust, noise and pollution will incur irreversible devastation to all wildlife. Also, it will destroy the ecological balance of nature to an irretrievable level of jeopardy. It will also wreck all that has been achieved here at Priory Farm, St Olaves so far and the continuing conservation and preservation, etc to aid all aspects of nature in its survival.
Once again, I object.