Having destroyed 31ha of ancient wood in 2013, quarry extension plans threaten at least another 41ha. The consultation has now closed and we await a decision. Thank you to everyone who took part.
A staggering 41 hectares of ancient woodland is in danger if Hermitage Quarry expansion plans go ahead. Thank you to everyone who supported the campaign to try and save this irreplaceable habitat.
The quarry plans have undergone a public consultation, where we asked people across the country to submit their objections to the destruction of Oaken Wood. Those plans and objections have now been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for examination.
This follows Kent County Council being sent back to the drawing board over original plans in 2023, after more than 25,000 of you voiced your concerns. But it returned with no new ideas, just a plan to raze 41 hectares of precious ancient woodland.
If the latest plans are approved, the loss of ancient woodland here could be more than that of the Lower Thames Crossing and HS2 schemes combined. With your support, we’ll keep working to protect Oaken Wood for as long as it takes.
The ancient woodland site under threat is Oaken Wood. It’s an irreplaceable ecosystem home to protected species including dormice, reptiles and bats.
The proposal doesn’t specify how much woodland it would impact, but our analysis suggests over 41 hectares would be lost. Even more would be exposed to long-term damage. The total area is equivalent to over 56 football pitches.
The wood has already suffered significant damage after a quarry extension in 2013 took away a vast 31 hectares of precious habitat. Now the wildlife that lives there could be pushed into an even smaller space.
Oaken Wood is a Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site (PAWS). These are ancient woods that have been felled and replanted, often with non-native trees. They’re still hugely important, with major ecological and cultural value. Oaken Wood is a chestnut coppice which has provided Kentish hop poles for generations.
Supporters of the quarry may say that the expansion is necessary to meet demand for Kentish ragstone which is used to restore old buildings. But only a small proportion of what’s quarried will be used in restoration - most will be ground up and used as general aggregate for construction. The protection of our natural world for wildlife, climate and people is equally, if not more, important.
They may also argue that they’re compensating for the loss by translocating ancient woodland soil. But there’s little evidence this works, and it will never make up for the devastation of 41+ hectares of irreplaceable habitat.
Thank you for responding to the consultation and speaking up for ancient woodland. Your support really makes a difference.
Now that the consultation has closed, the draft Mineral Sites Plan and all consultation responses are being examined by the Planning Inspectorate.
The exact timeline for the examination process varies, so keep an eye on our campaigns newsfeed and follow us on Facebook or Instagram for updates.