The head of Natural Environment Torbay Council Has a vision to ruin this historic woodland, Points to note there are Doormice, pigmy shrews, newts, slow worms, adders and grass snakes, as well as rare flowers and fauna, countless birdlife including Goldcrest, willow tit,marsh tit,long tailed tit, goldfinch, bullfinch, woodwarbler, chiffchaff, blackcap, treecreeper and nuthatch. Three species of wagtail, both native thrushes and the migratory redwing. The cuckoo, Green, Greater and lesser woodpeckers and Jay, Birds of prey including sparrowhawk, and Buzzard, little owl, Tawny Owl, I have also seen a short eared owl in winter.
The falcons including magificent resident and nesting kestrels, the merlin, and peregines that hunt the edges of the woodland. The wood pidgeons, stock doves and collared dove are all nesting in the woodland.
There has never been vehicular access into the woodland and it should remain that way. I am not against creating family and educational walks and would encorage the same. Cockington woodland has a 10kilometer mountain bike trail and also the huge facility at Halden hill. This woodland has not been cared for or looked after by the council in over 8 years, Now they want to completely decimate the resident trees and plant Walnut and cherry so that they can harvest the timber regularly and sell it for financial gain. If they succeed in these proposals this ancient natural environment will be lost forever along with the resident wildlife and natural habitats.
An AGM of Lincombe area residents to discuss local matters was held on 22 May where this was brought to our attention and not one of approximately 100 in attendance voted for the proposed changes to ruin the natural environment and ecological balance of our wonderful inheritance.
Thin out the Sycamore but leave the huge mature trees, Then plant Elm, Beech, Oak, Ash, Chestnut and some of the proposed Cherry and Walnut. But not on the massive scale suggested. What about the many dog walkers and ramblers, where do they go when the many high speed bikers hurtle down the main track to Meadfoot green at 30mph and more. Voice your opinions now or loose our peaceful and happy valley. Everybody who is against this ludicrous proposal plan should email naturalenvironment@torbay.gov.uk now and sign one of the petitions in the local post office, shops and the kents pub. CLOSING DATE FOR EMAILS OR ACTION ON THIS CONSULTATION has been extended to the end of June
