Along part of the proposed Spooner Row Gypsy site is a Conservation Walk for us to enjoy as locals and forms part of DEFRA’s Countryside Stewardship Scheme. On the white notices (on the fields and on this website under “Conservation Walks”) it explains how the farmland has been managed to create a habitat to help birds such as the GREY PARTRIDGE, which is a ground nesting bird. The Grey Partridge is a protected species and is on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as its population has declined by 88% between 1977 and 2002 and continues to decline (see http://www.norfolkbiodiversity.org/actionplans/species/greypartridge.asp). If you are still writing your objections please include this planning concern.
Karen
posted 11/9/08 12:45 AM
For anyone doing any last minute objections before the extended deadline (10th Nov) you could mention that Wymondham Heritage Society have found some information on Wick Hall (ruins of). There are only a few facts that have come to light but the most interesting one is that Wick Hall and its land once belonged to Lord Byron in 1811 which could be of local historical interest. Wick Hall ruins are on the Conservation Walk and are very close to the Spooner Row "reserve" site.
Richard
posted 2/22/09 9:06 PM
It is unbelievable that South Norfolk Council have totally ignored the points made in the two postings above on their Shortlist for the Second (revised) Gypsy & Traveller Draft Consultation Document despite a number of people objecting to it. On their Shortlist scoring system SNC have given these the worst scores possible. For example, under the ESSENTIAL FACTORS - “Avoid environmentally sensitive sites” and under DESIRABLE FACTORS - “Avoid land with local designations (e.g. wildlife) they have both scored a high “4” which means that the sites are of no environmental importance (the score should be “1”). The real facts are: (1) Wick Hall ruins are of archaeological and historical value with an ancient moat. Lord Byron owned it in 1811. (2) There is a “Countryside Stewardship Scheme” in operation on this site until 2012. This is where the land is managed to create a specific environmental sound habitat for wildlife, and (3) A Conservation Walk has been created for horse riders and local people to use and enjoy. Ironically, SNC says this about the environment on their website: “The guidance emphasises the importance of adopting a positive approach to biodiversity protection and enhancement, and includes the key considerations relating to wildlife and biodiversity that should be taken into account in all development proposals”. It’s a pity they don’t practice what they preach!!
Karen
posted 2/22/09 10:02 PM
If you want to know more about Spooner Row's Conservation Walk and the Countryside Stewardship Scheme in operation here go to: http://www.spoonerrow.f2s.com/walks.htm
mandy
posted 3/10/09 11:49 AM
hiya, well what we need to do is just send the same objection letters again, i feel as all the relevant reasons why we didnt want it near us at sr are still the same!!the birds are still there, and it is still gonna be an eyesore!!! etc etc.
