Ancient Derbyshire woodland at risk: 1,488 Derby residents resist homes threat to 'irreplaceable' ancient wood

There are fears for the future of an “irreplaceable” ancient woodland in Derby should up to 150 new homes be built next to it.

The Chaddesden Wood nature reserve in Oakwood has been in existence since around 1600 when Queen Elizabeth I was on the throne.

The reserve, which has a main entrance off Springwood Drive, is said to attract hundreds of walkers a day and has been described as a “godsend” to the community in recent times. A variety of wildlife can be seen in the wood making it a popular walkway in the city, especially in the spring.

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But there are fears for what lies ahead should controversial plans for up to 150 homes off Lime Lane be given the green light.

Developer JGP Properties wants to build the homes on Green Wedge land north of the Chaddesden Wood nature reserve – effectively expanding the Oakwood ward. More than 1,400 objections have been made to the plans with a decision expected to be made later this year.

Although the plans are to build on land next to the woodland and not on it, members of the Friends of Chaddesden Wood are deeply concerned and say the proposals could have serious ramifications for the future of the site.

The group are concerned about the loss of wildlife surrounding the site, the potential loss of water supply and that the wood could “dry out”.

Heather Bryant, chair of the group, said: “This is a beautiful ancient woodland site and it needs to be protected. It has existed since at least 1600, so this wood was here when Queen Elizabeth I was still on the throne. The wood is good for people’s well-being.

“The wood is already surrounded on three sides by the Oakwood estate. If these fields are lost, the woods will be totally enclosed and isolated from the countryside – severing the connectivity that is vital for wildlife to move freely between habitats, to search for food and to widen the gene pool.

“If the fields are replaced by hard surfaces not only will run-off water into Breadsall increase but the ancient woodland will lose its vital water supply and dry out. More houses mean more visitors and while we want people to enjoy the wood, new housing brings the problem of increased footfall. This can cause soil compaction, damage to tree roots and plants and disturbance to wildlife.

“It is a small wood in a very large suburb and is already under sustained pressure. More houses will just increase that pressure and the woodland will be harmed.”

Keith Tomlin, a committee member of Friends of Chaddesden Wood, said the group has had messages of support from all over the community and from people living across the world.

Mr Tomlin said: “There are only two ancient woodlands in Derby and we are doing our best to preserve it for future generations. We can’t afford to lose this space. Once it’s gone, its gone – you can’t build another ancient woodland.

“Lots of people use it for physical health and mental health reasons. During the pandemic it was a godsend for so many as they could be surrounded by nature at a time of lock down and isolation.”

The Friends of Chaddesden Wood have received backing with The Woodland Trust, The Countryside Charity and Mid-Derbyshire Labour MP Jonathan Davies objecting to the plans. So to have Oakwood’s Conservative councillors and former Conservative MP Pauline Latham.

JGP Properties says the green wedge site off Lime Lane can deliver a residential scheme to suit its needs.

In planning documents, the developer has said: “The concept behind the development is to provide high quality new homes, meeting an identified local need whilst softening the existing edges of development and providing an opportunity to strengthen the identity of Oakwood, along Lime Lane and the A608, to the edge of its defined settlement boundary.”

The developer says the wood will be buffered and protected from the development. A planning statement says: “There is the opportunity, through the development of the site, to enhance habitats and encourage bio-diversity though appropriate landscaping.

“Indeed, the proposals submitted would equate to an average of 45 per cent biodiversity net gain across habitat, hedgerow and river (ditch) units, representing a significant improvement to the biodiversity of the site. A precautionary method of working will avoid harm to protected species.

It adds: “There is an opportunity to create a network of green open space corridors within the development, fully integrating and linking the urban form with its landscape and topographical setting.”

The Friends of Chaddesden Wood group say they are not convinced by the developer’s claims surrounding bio-diversity and believe deterioration of the woodland is “certain”.