The UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, with only about half its biodiversity remaining, far below the global average of 75%. This puts the UK is in the bottom 10% globally.

We have lost many species including the Common Tree Frog, White stork, Large Copper Butterfly and Apple Bumblebee. Many more such starlings, newts, snakes and otters are at severe risk of extinction. In fact, more than one in seven native species face extinction.

At bushfiled Camp there are records of common lizard and slow worm and a large number of birds such as Cetti’s warbler, fieldfare, tawny owl, woodpecker and willow warbler. The site is also important for hazel dormice and badger and it is likely that many of the mature trees support bat roosts both maternity and hibernation.

The varied history of brownfield sites like Bushfield Camp means that there is much variation in the pH and chemical composition of the soils. This creates a great deal of variety across the range of habitat. As a result, brownfield sites often have greater biodiversity than that of countryside we so admire.

The increasing pressure on our environment from agriculture and development means that many species that depend on early successional habitats have become very rare in the wider landscape. Many of these species now almost totally rely on brownfield habitats like Bushfield Camp.

Biodiversity isn’t just something attractive to look at, it is the bedrock of our very existence, yet here we are today to discuss plans that threaten to destory yet another vital habitat.

We believe that today’s conversation shouldn’t be about jobs or even about energy efficiency & renewable energy. It should be about managing and enriching a vital habitat, a habitat that has been designated as a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

It seems that the Church of England agrees with us too, at least in principle. One of Church’s Five Marks Of Mission is to strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and renew the life of the earth. So why isn’t that principle being applied to the plans for Bushfield Camp?

Don’t be taken in by developer speak about enhancing biodiversity, these plans represent the destruction of an important habitat. You cannot quote “Carefully protect, manage, and enhance the existing habitats” by building on top of it. The improvement and addition of grassland around the site does not change that fact. We believe that the proposals will not stand up to scrutiny of the biodiversity net gain claims. We intend to ensure that that extensive ecological scrutiny is applied.

We ask you to consider Bushfield Camp as a site of opportunity, not an opportunity to make money but rather an opportunity to contribute to the preservation and restoration of our ecosystems. Let’s put nature first, let’s make Bushfiled Camp a beacon of biodiversity rather than another soulless development that benefits the few.

Join our campaign to Save Bushfield Camp for Nature.