Serious concerns about the burning of green waste that took place on Pan Meadows in Newport on Monday night were raised on social media by Isle of Wight residents.
It was reported by one resident on Facebook that Barratt Homes were “burning all hedges and trees at the top of Pan Meadows” and that red squirrels were “running around with nowhere to live”.
Wildlife lovers were galvanised into action with many seeking help from high profile figures such as Chris Packham and Simon King, following concerns for nesting birds and other wildlife.
Trees removed last month
It has been confirmed today (Tuesday) that the controlled burning was being carried out by Barratts, who, as part of the next stage of their development, had last month removed 120 metres of Conifer/Leylandi trees.
The Isle of Wight council informed local councillor Geoff Lumley this afternon that,
“We will be confirming that this was undertaken within the timescales that they are allowed to work to (i.e. outside of the breeding season and the permissions that they have in place that allow this works to be undertaken).
“The cut material was burnt on 30th, 31st March and 4th April. They did also start burning on other days in between, but stopped due to wind direction, and the impact of smoke on residents.”
Barratts had also contacted the Fire Service and Environmental Health prior to commencing the burning, which it’s said is now complete.
Red Squirrel expert not contacted
Helen Butler from the Red Squirrel Project told OnTheWight,
“If it’s the Leylandii corridor that runs through the site then it’s cause for concern, as red squirrels build dreys in these trees and there are kittens about this time of year.
“I was asked to look for dreys in a block of trees that had to come down last year – and found several dreys in use – but was not asked to look this year.”
Click on image to see larger version
Works to be inspected
Many residents concerned about wildlife in the area will be pleased to hear that tree and ecology specialists will be going onto the site tomorrow (Wednesday) to ensure no other trees have been affected by the works.
A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight Council said they were aware of the issue and would be investigating the matter in more detail. Until this had taken place the council was unable to comment further, although it could confirm that there was no connection to any works in relation to the proposed new superstore in the area.
Police called in
The incident was reported to the police. A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary confirmed,
“We were called at 09:42am this morning (Tuesday, April 5) by a resident in Newport who had concerns about controlled burning on the Pan Estates site.
“Initial enquiries will be conducted by a specialist wildlife crime officer to establish if an investigation is required or whether any offences have been committed.”
Smoke affected residents
Many thanks to Beckie Hill for the photos taken last night during the controlled burning.
She told OnTheWight the smell was so strong from the smoke that she had to close all windows and felt dizzy.
We’ll let you know if the matter is taken further.
Article edit
Comment from Helen Butler added prior to publishing.
