The row over proposed holiday cabins in Bouldnor Forest has escalated, with Shalfleet Parish Council asking a DEFRA minister to halt activity while concerns surrounding fire safety, protected wildlife and the use of an exemption certificate are investigated.
Councillor Jonathan Hill, of Shalfleet Parish Council, has joined the Bouldnor Forest Group in raising concerns over plans by Forestry England and its commercial partner Unyoked for overnight accommodation within the woodland.
Both parties have accused Forestry England of taking a contradictory approach to Bouldnor compared with measures being used to tackle wildfire risks and protect wildlife elsewhere in the country.
The claims and allegations contained within the 2 statements have not been independently established.
Councillor Hill says concerns have been raised directly with Forestry England Chief Executive Michael Seddon on several occasions, but claims no meaningful response has been received.
Central to the opposition are fears about the potential impact of additional overnight visitors on wildlife.
Campaigners say Bouldnor Forest supports species including nightjars, Dartford warblers, bats, dormice, great crested newts, red squirrels and reptiles.
Councillor Hill has said:
“This is one of the most ecologically sensitive woodlands on the island.
“Yet national bodies appear determined to push commercial cabins into the very areas their own laws say must be protected.”
Questions are also being raised about the exemption certificate being used in connection with the proposals, which Councillor Hill says was issued to UY Recreational Club.
He alleges that the organisation has no visible membership, recreational activity or public presence and has questioned whether the exemption system is being used as Parliament intended.
The press release further disputes whether the proposed cabins meet the relevant legal definition for an exemption under the Caravan Sites and Control of Development Act 1960.
No independent legal determination supporting that assertion is provided.
Meanwhile, the Bouldnor Forest Group has accused Forestry England of ‘hypocrisy’ over wildfire precautions.
The group says Forestry England has previously stated that BBQs, fires and outside camping would not be permitted in connection with the Bouldnor proposals.
However, campaigners have pointed to recent closures of forests elsewhere in England because of wildfire risks, arguing that this demonstrates the potential dangers associated with people staying overnight in woodland.
Samantha Powell, a spokeswoman for the Bouldnor Forest Group, has said:
“It really is exasperating to have Forestry England implement measures to safeguard woodland and wildlife elsewhere, and do exactly the opposite on the island.”
Councillor Hill has also highlighted the recent wildfire at Headon Warren as evidence of how quickly fires can spread through dry vegetation on the Isle of Wight.
He claims there is no Forestry England ranger or on-site warden on the Island and alleges that no fire-risk assessment exists for the Bouldnor proposal.
Councillor Hill has said:
“The Headon Warren fire showed exactly how fast a blaze can take hold in our local environment.
“Introducing ignition risks into a dry, fire-sensitive woodland containing protected species is reckless.”
The Bouldnor Forest Group says it recently reported 2 overnight wild camps involving campfires and BBQs and claims Forestry England took almost 2 weeks to respond.
Campaigners point to Forestry England guidance in the New Forest asking visitors to remain on main tracks and keep dogs close during the ground-nesting bird season.
The group says Forestry England has reported an 18% decline in the New Forest’s nightjar population.
Samantha has said:
“Forestry England says that the nightjar population has declined by 18% in the New Forest and this is exactly one of the rare species we are also trying to protect in Bouldnor Forest.”
Councillor Hill has separately criticised Natural England and DEFRA, alleging there has been insufficient environmental assessment, monitoring and oversight of the proposals.
Shalfleet Parish Council has now written to Dame Angela Eagle, Minister of State at DEFRA, requesting that activity by Forestry England and Natural England relating to the scheme is halted until an enquiry has been completed.
The council is seeking an investigation into the exemption certificate, clarification of statutory responsibilities, a review of monitoring and compliance arrangements and a site visit to examine locations where protected species are said to be present.
Councillor Hill also says Isle of Wight MP Richard Quigley has been contacted about the concerns but that no response or acknowledgement has been received.
The campaigners further claim Forestry England plans to introduce cabins at 40 undisclosed woodland locations nationally, prompting fears that other Isle of Wight forests could eventually be considered.
Samantha has said:
“Forestry England is rolling out cabins in 40 undisclosed woodland locations, and who knows where they will turn up next?
“Could it be Brighstone, Firestone or Parkhurst Forests?”
Forestry England, Natural England, DEFRA, Unyoked and Richard Quigley MP’s responses to the allegations raised in the latest press releases are not provided.
