Marshlands in Swanscombe have been granted special protected status, dealing a blow to plans for the multi-billion pound London Resort theme park due to be built there. But conservationists have welcomed protection for a wildlife haven close to the M25 and on the Thames, which is home to a rare endangered species of jumping spider. Swanscombe Peninsula in Kent has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its grassland, scrub, wetlands, grazing marsh and saltmarsh habitat which is home to an array of wildlife. The peninsula on the Thames hosts more than 1,700 invertebrates, including the critically endangered distinguished jumping spider, breeding birds such as marsh harriers, reed warblers and bearded tits, and nationally rare plants.
Petition to protect Swanscombe Marshes from London Resort theme park development nears 20,000 signatures as campaign to save land steps up
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Updated: 16:07, 08 February 2021
A petition calling for the protection of marshland where the UK s largest theme is set to be built has been signed by more than 20,000 people.
The Save Swanscombe Marshes campaign fighting to designate the area as a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) stepped up today as dozens of ecology experts and campaigners pressed Natural England to grant an application for tougher conservation rules.
Jamie Robins is from Buglife
The London Resort is set to be built on the Swanscombe Peninsula. Picture: EDF Energy