Following the report earlier in the week regarding a proposed reduction of ferry crossings by Wightlink, Natural England have been in touch.
Readers will remember that Wightlink claimed the proposed reduction in crossings was being imposed by the public body responsible for protecting England’s natural environment.
Natural England dispute this claim and a spokesperson told VB today, “Natural England has not imposed a limit of 16,500 sailings on Wightlink. Wightlink proposed this number of sailings as part of an overall package of measures which also includes reduced speeds (until 2014) and habitat restoration.
“This package of measures overall, designed to protect the wildlife and habitats of the estuary, has enabled Natural England to withdraw our objection.
Other options could have been considered
Natural England say that there were a number of other options open to Wightlink, “Wightlink could have considered a range of other options to mitigate the erosion caused by the W class ferries, including permanent speed reduction, or additional habitat restoration works to improve the quality of existing habitat for birds to feed, roost and nest.”
