Thank you for contacting me about the impact of the proposed Lower Thames Crossing on trees and wildlife.
The proposed Lower Thames Crossing would see a new tunnel built east of Dartford linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames. The project aims to improve people’s journey times and boost the economy of the Thames Estuary region. However, these economic benefits must not be sought at the expense of wildlife and trees in the area.
As you are aware, the proposed crossing threatens several hectares of the large Shorne and Ashenbank ancient woodland complex. These woods are home to veteran trees and rare wildlife, including woodpeckers, great crested newts and dormice, and are designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Nationally notable invertebrates also live here, along with over 300 species of fungi. I agree that the loss of such irreplaceable habitats would be unacceptable, and would have a detrimental impact on air quality in and of itself. I am also concerned that National Highways has not disclosed details of which environmental features will be affected by the proposed development.
To keep global warming to no more than 1.5°C – as called for in the Paris Agreement – emissions need to be reduced by 45% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. Transport remains the largest emitting sector in the UK, with the vast majority of this from road transport.
To meet emissions targets, the Government must prioritise investment in sustainable forms of transport. Capacity must be freed is freed up on the rail network, allowing us to get freight off the road, and move goods around the country in a cleaner way, and convenient and affordable public transport solutions for passengers must be created, enabling them to choose less polluting forms of travel.
Thank you once again for contacting me. I can assure you I will continue to monitor progress on this matter closely.
Yours sincerely,
Barry Gardiner
Member of Parliament for Brent North