Neighbours living next to a woodland in Reading have raised fears badgers and other wildlife could be disturbed or even killed if more clearance work takes place.
The woodland lies between Kentwood Hill and Armour Hill in Tilehurst, located near to the Tilehurst Allotments, on two sites which have been allocated for housing development in the Reading Local Plan.
The land is owned by the Tilehurst Poor’s Land Charity, which helps clients by provided them grants for goods and services they otherwise would not be able to afford.
The charity has been rebranded the Tilehurst People’s Local Charity (TPLC).
Since September, clearance work has been undertaken so land can be surveyed.
Currently, activists have been able to prevent motorised clearance equipment such as flail mowers by strategically parking their cars in access points to the sites.
However, the contractors have been able to use hand-held clearance equipment called strimmers so that surveyors can access the sites.
This has led to fears that badgers could be disturbed and displaced and other animals hurt or even killed.
Deborah Dadd, neighbour and member of the Keep Kentwood Green, campaign explained slow worms and hedgehogs are at risk of being killed if the places where they hibernate are destroyed.
READ MORE: Tilehurst neighbours fears for wildlife as contract work in wood is set to begin
Some neighbours have questioned the legality of the activity, as it is being conducted near active badger setts.
Meanwhile, a concerned local resident has supplied video evidence of badgers foraging in the area at night, with badger activity also being monitored by the Binfield Badger Group.
Jil Hoblin, chairwoman of Binfield Badgers, said: “We are aware of planned clearance works at the sites and have made several visits to conduct detailed sett surveys.
“Our survey confirmed badger activity across the entire woodland site, which contains a very large active sett and several outlier holes, numerous fresh latrines, fresh snuffle holes, bedding snuffling, fence push-throughs and an expansive range of well trodden badger tracks.
“This activity is supported by date and time stamped photographic evidence and live video recordings of the resident badgers.
“Badgers are protected by law under the Protection of Badgers Act 1992 and it is an offence to damage, destroy or block sett entrances; kill, injure or treat a badger cruelly; or disturb a badger while in occupation of a sett.”
Chairwoman Hoblin called for the project to be called off.
Despite pleas from neighbours and activists, work did commence last month, however it is understood no heavy machinery was used.
READ MORE: Concerns over loss of woodland habitat near Tilehurst allotments addressed
Aspect was given approval to conduct the works by Sarah Hanson, natural environment officer at Reading Borough Council.
The approval allowed the clearance of ‘non tree ground vegetation’ and any tree saplings ‘at or below bramble height’.
The work has been undertaken so the land can be surveyed for two prospective developments which could total 80 homes.
The Reading Local Plan identifies Kentwood Hill for 41-62 homes and Armour Hill for 12-18 homes.
READ MORE: Fears raised that Tilehurst housing development could endanger allotments and green space
The prospect of the woodland being built on is being spearheaded by four interested parties: the landowner, TPLC; a chosen developer, Ridgepoint Homes; chartered surveyors Chaneys and contractors Aspect.
While Aspect has overseen the clearance project, the work itself was undertaken by Tall Oaks groundwork contractors.
Collin Cairns, chairman of TPLC, said: “The Charity’s lands at Kentwood Hill and Armour Hill in Tilehurst are allocated sites for housing development in the Reading Borough Council local plan, and there are issues that need to be addressed before any future planning application can be considered.
“The Governing Document of the Charity defines its aim as the relief of poverty – in the area of West Reading, Tilehurst and Theale – by making grants of money for goods and services to people in need, hardship or distress.
“The Charity Trustees are legally required to place the best interests of the poor and of the Charity above all other considerations.
“Charity Commission guidance states that Charities must make objective decisions, and must not be unduly influenced by those who may have special interests or personal interests.”
Mr Cairns has also asked those concerned to read the charity’s answers to ‘recently asked questions’ on its website.
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