Can you donate in bid to save a special site and its wildlife?

Plans for surfing lagoon and hotel threaten so many species at country park

CPRE Kent has been working with Friends of Betteshanger, the RSPB and Kent Wildlife Trust to protect a rewilded colliery site that is an uplifting example of how nature can recover from the depredations of industry but is now threatened by development.

The former spoil tip of Betteshanger colliery was established as a country park some 20 years ago and now hosts an extraordinary array of wildlife, some of which is nationally rare or in rapid decline.

Water voles, turtle doves, slow worms and lizard orchids are just some of the species to make Betteshanger Country Park their home – sadly, however, in 2019 the site was sold to a company that now wants to build a surfing lagoon and luxury hotel and spa there.

The scheme, if permitted, would destroy priority habitat, wildlife mitigation sites and the second largest colony of lizard orchids in the country. Accordingly, a range of nature conservation charities have rallied in opposing the plans.

Despite the obvious need to protect this fantastic site for wildlife and local people alike, there is a risk that either planning permission could be granted or an appeal launched if the scheme is refused by Dover District Council.

That is why we are preparing to use all legal means necessary to defend the country park and its wildlife – which will be costly. We have launched a CrowdJustice appeal and are asking you to help us fight for this very special place.

We intend to use raised funds to enlist expert advice and possibly legal representation towards any possible judicial review and help our campaign.

We thank you in advance for your support.

• Please donate to help the Friends of Betteshanger save the wildlife at Betteshanger Country Park. Click here to make a pledge
• To learn more, visit www.friendsofbetteshanger.co.uk or find the Friends of Betteshanger group on Facebook 

  
  Thursday, March 2, 2023