Quarry threatens Staffordshire's ancient woodland

The Woodland Trust says it is facing the largest threat to a single ancient woodland site in England that it has ever seen Credit: Chris Ison/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Plans have been put forward to chop down 50 hectares of ancient woodland near Tamworth in Staffordshire.

Hopwas wood is believed to date back to the 11th Century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. Now, it has been chosen as the possible site of a massive sand and gravel quarry, forming part of the county's Minerals Local Plan.

The Woodland Trust has vowed to fight the proposals, but the charity says this is the largest threat to a single ancient woodland site in England that it has ever seen.

The Trust says the area - which is three times the size of London Zoo - is designated as a Local Wildlife Site, important for protected species such as the otter and grass snake.

The recommendation to allocate Hopwas Wood for mineral extraction was made to Staffordshire County Council by LaFarge Tarmac - part-owners of the wood. The Council is now consulting on the new site options. The deadline for responses is December 5.

LaFarge Tarmac says it plans to consult with the local community and that the site would provide extra jobs and vital materials needed for construction.

The Woodland Trust says the area is important for protected species such as the otter and grass snake Credit: Gareth Fuller/PA Archive/Press Association Images