Fight to save wood rich in wildlife

PROTESTERS are fighting to stop an ancient woodland being destroyed.

The Woodland Trust fears if developers get permission to build 750 homes at Downlands Farm in Uckfield it will destroy ancient habitats and adversely affected an area known as Lake Wood.

A public inquiry is continuing in Uckfield into Wealden District Council's refusal of planning permission for homes at Downlands Farm.

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Alice Farr, of the Woodland Trust, said: 'It's hard to find a more beautiful place so close to a major town. It's a thriving wildlife habitat.

'We're about to put up 50 dormouse boxes in the wood and it was recently the scene of some interesting, if not quirky, out-of-season flowering.

'We must do all we can to ensure its long term survival. That means no development.'

Around 9,600 square feet of commercial property could also be built at the site.

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Woodland Trust volunteer warden Dr Martyn Stenning has been involved with Lake Wood for 20 years.

He said the woodland was the 'nearest thing we have to a primeval forest in Britain'.

Dr Stenning added: 'You can find so many wonderful species there, from plants to birds of prey and mammals.

'I've recorded nearly 70 species of birds, including herons, sparrowhawks and buzzards.

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'I have also seen bats, dragonflies and the yellow-necked mouse, an ancient woodland species typical of Southern England.'

The planning appeal at Uckfield Civic Centre is continuing.

The inspector is also hearing appeals into Wealden District Council's refusal of planning permission to build home at Bird in Eye (north and south).