NHS Trust destroy home of nature to gain planning permission in Exminster

This morning the RSPB sent a formal letter of complaint to the bosses Devon NHS concerning the willful destruction of land near Exminster.

Hillcrest is home to a population of Cirl Buntings, a bird so nationally important and rare to find. The RSPB, a charity in support of finding nature a home, believe this is a deliberate opportunity to reduce the nature conservation value of the land which in turn will gain planning permission for new development.

Restricted to the South Devon coastal land, the species of the Cirl Bunting became almost extinct in the late 1980’s in the UK. However, its numbers have began to increase by the hard and committed work from the RSPB and local farmers. The charity is seriously concerned that the destruction of the Exminster land poses a growing threat for the bird in the future.

Mark Robins, Senior Policy Officer for RSPB in the South West explained: “The RSPB has worked at Hillcrest for 15 years in partnership with NHS locally. This has included an active volunteer engagement from amongst the local community, to create high quality wildlife habitat especially for the Cirl Bunting.”

“The RSPB paid for spring barley to go on the site - the resulting stubble with its rich bank of weed seed is what these birds rely on in winter. Without any consultation with us, that was sprayed and ploughed in. We've also worked to leave un-cropped grassy margins round the field an.d made sure the hedges were right for the birds. This has been ruined. This wasn’t done by mistake.”

In July this year, the RSPB supplied ecological data to the environmental consultants, acting for the NHS, with a cover note stating that the charity would be extremely concerned at any developments on Hillcrest and hope to be consulted on any potential proposals. With ploughed land and ‘destructed’ resources, the RSPB are extremely upset by the future movements of the Devon NHS Trust.

“While we understand that the Devon NHS Trust is at liberty to manage its estate as it feels fit, including developing the land, the way this has been undertaken has left no opportunity to seek good outcomes for nature. The NHS has a duty to have regard to the natural environment, to set a good example. What has been done here is the precise opposite,." continues Mark Robins.

Alison Gones, 73, who lives in Exminster is also deeply saddened by the effects of the NHS Trust. “Exminster is a lovely place whereby we have beautiful scenery and walks. The destruction of Hillcrest means Exminster endures even more development on land that is precious to the community. We are so glad the RSPB are on our side to help”.

The RSPB have asked the NHS to give urgent consideration to three key issues including an adequate explanation, not just to the RSPB, but also the local community. They have also asked for a short-term mitigation for the loss of wintering habitat for the key species at Hillcrest as well as a replacement habitat for what has been lost as a result of this action.