Wildlife destroyed

• I WRITE on behalf of the Friends of Gillespie Park to express our horror at the actions of Network Rail workers who this weekend completely destroyed the trees and shrubs at Drayton Park Station sidings, a site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation whose trees included silver birch, willow and rowan as well as a number of woodland plants.  

The workers have razed the entire site to the ground. It is of the utmost concern that Network Rail did not consult with the proper bodies before taking irreversible action to destroy the wildlife at this site

A large number of bird species either nest in or depend on the sidings, including the great spotted woodpecker, sparrowhawk, kestrel, jay, greenfinch, goldfinch, woodpigeon, the house sparrow (a Red Data Book species) and many others. Some species will have had their nests destroyed, and it is quite likely that their second and third brood nestlings will have been killed.

It is an offence against the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 to take, damage or destroy the nest of any wild bird while it is in use or being built. We have written urgently to the council asking it to take immediate action to bring those responsible to account for their actions. Thus far, we have, unfortunately, been met with a succession of excuses and misinformation.

Drayton Park sidings has been an important part of a “green corridor” which, together with Gillespie Park, the Parkland Walk and other open areas including the Arvon Road allotments, needs to be managed for the benefit of wildlife. 

We call on the council to act now to ensure there is no possibility of any future vandalism at this site or at any other wildlife site in the borough. Those responsible must be held to account.

EMMA DIXON 
Friends of Gillespie Park 

Published: 22 July, 2011