Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

Priddy Mineries ex lead mines, an SSSI on the Mendips, is under threat from the local hunt kennels wanting to move to a farm adjacent to them. This will lead to development of the farm, with possible pollution effects on the Mineries and the hounds will be mostly exercised across the SSSI! The group campaigning against the move already have already seen the hounds being exercised across them several times a week and have evidence to prove this. The Mineries used to be a nature reserve run by Somerset Wildlife Trust but last year their lease was not renewed by the landowners (the Waldegrave Estate).

The Mineries are home to all the UK species of amphibians and reptile (except the NJ toad), at least 16 Species of Dragon and Damselfly (including Downy Emerald), numerous moth and butterfly species (including several rare ones), rare beetles, several species of ground nesting birds, bats and some pretty unique plants for the south of england(such as bog cotton which is much more abundant in the north). All in all it's a pretty special place with large biodiversity. The effects of 60 hounds being excercised over the area could be devastating.

Please have a look at the campaign website which is situated at http://www.priddy-canine.org.uk/

thanks Zail there's a few of us up here in Somerset who are extremely worried about the fate of the Priddy mineries. It's an irreplaceable landscape that attracts people from all over the world. Cavers are the most frequent visitors but it is well known and valued for the wildlife here. I'd encourage anyone who loves dragonflies, butterflies, plants, amphibians, reptiles, bats and birds to pay a visit. You won't be disappointed. I see something new every day. Today the lower pool was awash with toadlets and froglets and several large leeches, ugh! we saw what I think were reed buntings or reed warblers and often see owls here at dusk. The thought of the peace being shattered by howling and barking hounds leaves me cold. The footpath use will set them off everytime someone uses the stile infront of where the kennels are planned. It's utter madness and very worrying for everyone who loves it here.

The campaign is active but until the plans go in we can't do much more than spread the word. If you can help in any way then check out the website (above) and email the team, we need experts in every field to help us verify, factually and with evidence (sadly) the importance of this precious site.

Thanks Zail for keeping it alive.

Guys, will do all I can to support this and will get my partner to spread the word via her e mail networks. If you are needing experts to help with evidence, don't forget the RSPB (although I'm sure you know that already) as they are land managers and experts on birds. And they have successfully beaten off challenges like this in the past through the quality of their evidence and their campaigning. Try the regional office in Exeter first (address on website).

Thanks very much, we need all the help we can get. We have been advised that the plans are imminent and the Mendip Farmers Hunt has been completing an acoustic survey that the council requested (out of hunting season??!!???), so things are starting to happen. Please spread the word. Check out the website: http://www.priddy-canine.org.uk, the potential impact on the Priddy Mineries is incalculable and the effect of 60 barking/howling hounds all day and night will afffect everyone that visits this tranquil wildlife haven, not to mention the habitat for wildlife.
We will let as many people know as possible when the plans go in.

We are in contact with many wildlife experts who are waiting for the plans to go in. Once this happens they will be able to react.

Thanks for your support.

Battie