COLCHESTER'S Natural History Society says new homes in Salary Brook Valley could seriously harm wildlife.

The society has responded to Colchester Council’s and Tendring Council’s proposals to build a “garden community” in east Colchester.

Up to 9,000 homes could be built on land bordering the two boroughs.

Professor Ted Benton, chairman of Colchester Natural History Society, said: “It is essential the integrity of the whole valley, including the meadows and woodland on its slopes is retained for present and future generations.

“A map shows the area indicated for mixed use allocation includes large parts of the northern section of the valley, incorporating important ancient woodland, wetland and meadows, and coming right down to the brook itself along one stretch.

“Further south along the valley, on its eastern fringe, the proposed boundary for development comes far too close to the environmentally sensitive valley slopes.

“This previously undeveloped ‘green lung’ is an outstandingly rich reservoir of biodiversity which must be protected.

“These proposed boundaries are absolutely unacceptable in terms of landscape, ecology, amenity and biodiversity.”

Prof Benton said members of Colchester Natural History Society have conducted several surveys.

These have resulted in detailed analysis of the aquatic life in the brook and adjacent ponds, a list of plants in the valley and on the slopes, a report on various invertebrate groups, including dragonflies, grasshoppers, butterflies and moths, bees, hoverflies, craneflies and others, and an ongoing study of the mammals of the valley.

He said: “These latter include dormice and water voles, nationally protected species.

“Although parts of the valley floor are already designated as local wildlife sites it is vital to recognise that contemporary understanding of wildlife conservation involves attention to whole landscapes.

“Species and diverse communities of animals and plants can only be sustained if their habitat forms part of a larger, diverse mosaic.”

The society believes at least 1.5km of open space should be kept from the existing developments to serve as a buffer.

Campaigners have collected more than 800 signatures on a petition against the plan.