Construction of the Newbury Bypass could be delayed if the Government's wildlife watchdog uses its powers to protect two new nature reserves announced today. The rivers Lambourn and Kennet will be designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest on 1 November by English Nature, who can demand four months notice under the Wildlife and Countryside Act of 1981 before damage to an SSSI is allowed.

Both of the newly designated rivers are on the path of the Newbury bypass, for which preparatory work is expected to start shortly. The National Rivers Authority (NRA) is "particularly concerned that the river crossings of the proposed A34 Newbury By-pass may increase flood risk and threaten ecology". Recent studies by the NRA indicate that "impacts are likely" from the river crossings and they continue to "oppose current designs [of the bypass] and press for mitigating schemes". [1]

The two rivers have been described as "unique" by the National Rivers Authority. English Nature has found that the stretches of both rivers in the Newbury area have a "particularly diverse flora, comparable with any river in England". [2]

English Nature (formerly the Nature Conservancy Council) objected to the construction of an embankment across the Kennet Valley at the public inquiry of 1988 into the bypass, but the Inspector at that inquiry refused to consider potential designations, ruling that he could "only take account of those areas which are specifically designated". [3]

Tony Juniper, Deputy Campaigns Director of Friends of the Earth said:

"The Government has recognised the superb wildlife value of the rivers Lambourn and Kennet. Now the Department of Transport plans to build a trunk road across these sites. English Nature must stand up for wildlife and challenge the proposed damage to these beautiful rivers."

Jill Eisele of the Third Battle of Newbury said:

"Local people are right behind English Nature in its bid to protect these important wildlife sites. We need another public inquiry to take into account the new designations".

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

The River Kennet catchment area is a "unique habitat with EU designated fisheries". It contains a number of nationally rare and protected species. Its value as a wildlife corridor is being increasingly recognised, yet has so far only been "partially evaluated". The report concluded that:

"The ecology and fisheries of the catchment are of regional and national importance"; "The landscape of much of the catchment is of national importance";

The habitat known as floating vegetation with Water Crow Foot' is found in this area. This habitat type is protected under the new European Union Habitats Directive.

[1] National Rivers Authority. 1994. Final Report of the 'River Kennet Catchment Management Plan'. Summary leaflet.

[2] Letter from D Withrington, Senior Freshwater Officer at English Nature, to Jill Eisele. 7/9/94.

[3] Inspectors Report of the public inquiry into the Newbury Bypass. 1988. Conclusion.