The scale of destruction at Smallford Pits.
- Credit: Christine Pedder
Continued failings to take action against the ongoing destruction of a vital wildlife environment has resulted in outspoken criticism of Herts police.
As extensively reported by the Herts Advertiser, Smallford Pits has been devastated by pollution and intensive construction work, including the destruction of ponds, trees and other plant life, leaving it as little more than a muddy wasteland.
The area was previously a Local Wildlife Site, which identified it as a crucial location for wildlife in the county and should have protected it from development by the planning system.
A digger working at the Smallford Pits site.
- Credit: Dawn Hudson
A protected wildlife site already blighted with dumped fuel has been further devastated by an industrial digger.
Smallford Pits is a Local Wildlife Site, which identifies it as a crucial location for wildlife in the county and protects it from development by the planning system.
The site is a breeding ground for great crested newts, a European Protected Species, and is also an important area in Herts for dragonflies.
In September the ponds on part of the site were completely dug out and scrub cut to the ground, and in December petrol or diesel was dumped in the water.
A digger working at the Smallford Pits site.
- Credit: Dawn Hudson
Ponds which provided a breeding ground for protected species and other rare wildlife have been poisoned with dumped diesel and destroyed by industrial machinery.
Smallford Pits has been designated as a Local Wildlife Site, which identifies it as a crucial location for wildlife in the county and protects it from development by the planning system.
The site has also been identified as a breeding ground for great crested newts, a European Protected Species, and is also an important area in Herts for dragonflies.
Smallford Pits supports 19 species of dragonfly, including the nationally rare Scarce Emerald Dragonfly. Only Kingsmead near Hertford, supports as many dragonfly species in the county. The area is also rich in birds and reptiles.