WORK has started to create new wildlife areas on the £100m Cinderford Northern Quarter site.

Specialist ecologists are working with contractors to create new grassland and woodland habitats to protect and enhance environments for species affected.

The work involves removing an area of trees to add new grassland, scrub and woodland areas on land to the south west of the former Bowson mine-shaft.

The specially-designed new wildlife area will provide a more diverse and rich blend of trees and better habitats for birds, reptiles and other species. It will also create a home for protected species including great crested newts and dormice.

Work is expected to finish by the end of next month. 

Homes and Communities Agency’s Head of Area, David Warburton said: “This work is an

important part of our commitment to protect the forest and its wildlife, while creating sustai-nable employment, skills, amenities and opportunities for local people and businesses.

“By working with specialist ecologists and the Forestry Commission, we’re able to create expertly-designed new and safe habitats for a variety of species found in the Forest, as well as creating safe routes to help them migrate to their new home.

“Our ecologists will be on site while this work is taking place to ensure it is carried out to the highest standard, and complies with our licensing agreements with Natural England.”

This activity follows detailed work to safely relocate great crested newts from land earmarked for the first phases of development to a safe area nearby.

Cllr Graham Morgan, Chairman of the Cinderford Regeneration Board, added: “The work taking place on site is a key part of the preparation that needs to happen before any development can start.

“It is extensive and well-planned, and demonstrates the clear commitment we have made from the start that we will do what we can to protect the rich and diverse wildlife on the site.

“I would like to personally thank local residents for the understanding while this work takes place.”

Derek Foster, secretary of Dean Natural Alliance, said: “The group is seeking a judicial review of the planning application under which this damaging work is going ahead.

“We object to the continuing waste of public money on top of at least £15 million spent so far and firmly believe the wrong site was selected for development.”

Gloucestershire County Council will start construction work on the new road in the coming weeks.