The view of the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

New stadium threat to Swindon's wildlife - 6 May 2004

Plans for a major development at Shaw Forest Country Park in West Swindon would be a extremely bad news for wildlife and local residents, says Wiltshire Wildlife Trust's Head of Conservation Policy Harry Barton.

St Modwen Property plc is consulting the public on its plans for a 23,000-seater stadium and sports village to be built on the Shaw Forest Country Park. If allowed to proceed the development would destroy an area that has been planted as part of the Great Western Community Forest's vision to improve Swindon's environment.

"Forty-six thousand trees have been planted over the last ten years and nine thousand local people have been directly involved in doing so. It would be a tragedy if all this effort was destroyed because of one poorly located development."

The Shaw Forest Country Park is located within the River Ray corridor, a vital green lung that is home to a huge variety of wildlife.

"The area is one of the best places to see wild birds in the county, such as the skylark, a species whose numbers have nose dived, and the rare grasshopper warbler. The area is a great place to spot other wildlife such as great crested newts, otters and water voles," says Harry.

Swindon residents would lose out too, should the plans go ahead, he says. "Thousands of people from the across the town regard the area as a vital part of their local natural heritage. A major development would have a detrimental impact on its quality. We strongly urge Swindon Borough Council, Swindon Town FC and developers St Modwen Properties plc to reconsider their plans."


Background

The Shaw Forest Country Park site was included in the Great Western Community Forest 30-year plan to green the landscape and create a better environment. The Forest was founded in 1994 and covers 140 square miles, stretching from Wootton Bassett to Faringdon and from the Marlborough Downs to the River Thames.

Three community tree planting days have involved thousands of people in creating their own forest, and 46,000 trees have been planted so far. The site has been colonised by a range of wildlife.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust has 16,000 members and supporters.


For general press enquiries contact :

Sue Litherland, Communication Officer, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
on 01380 725670 or e-mail suel@wiltshirewildlife.org

or write to:

Wiltshire Wildlife Trust
Elm Tree Court
Devizes
SN10 1NJ

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