Numerous wildlife inhabits or regularly visits the site of the proposed development and its immediate surroundings. Many of the species listed below are in decline, or even red-listed.

Threats include the considerable increased noise (both during the construction phase and after the buildings are occupied), the loss of land (including farmland, hedgerows and clumps and belts of native trees) and an inevitable increase in light pollution. All of this will also impact the nearby woods.

The plan refers to providing "wildlife corridors" and a "green gap" between Adisham and Cooting, but only in vague terms. Regardless, the development will result in a huge net loss of habitat. The promised "Country Park" to the north of Womenswold can scarcely compensate.

The argument is sometimes made that wildlife will "just move", but it is fast running out of places to move to, as evidenced by the many animals and birds that call Adisham home.

Kent Wildlife Trust objected to the inclusion of Adisham New Town in the plan:

it is highly likely to have a significant negative impact on Ileden and Oxenden Woods SSSI and ancient woodland… development adjacent to the woodland will result in increased recreational pressure on the woodland resulting in tramping, disturbance of species through visual disturbance and disturbance from dogs.

Birds

Look up how the local bird population has changed in Adisham (or wherever you live) since 1970 on the BTO website.

A number of people in the village are using the BTO's BirdTrack app to log bird sightings.
It's not only for birds, you can also record mammals, butterflies, reptiles…

More common garden birds

You'll observe many of these walking along the footpaths by the hedgerows and arable fields too.

Mammals

We've already seen most of these in 2023.

Reptiles

Insects (multiple species)