A council has decided to drop the Middlewick Ranges from its local housing plan amid growing ecological evidence of its significance for endangered species like nightingales and barbastelle bats. This 76-hectare site, a former Ministry of Defence firing range, boasts rich biodiversity, including rare acid grasslands, invertebrates, and veteran trees, yet has lacked protected status. Community campaigners have fought for eight years against plans threatening the area, gaining support following a 2017 ecological report. The council's decision is a response to criticisms of past assessments regarding the ecological value of the site and the potential for recreating habitats elsewhere.
Campaigners and environmentalists rejoice as the Colchester council decides to remove the Middlewick Ranges from its housing plan, protecting vital habitats.
Ecological evidence affirms Middlewick's national significance, meeting criteria for a special scientific interest site with endangered species and rich biodiversity.
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