Sussex bird sanctuary objects to clay pigeon shoot

March 2012. The tranquillity of the waters around the Bird sanctuary at Weir Wood Reservoir in East Sussex, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, could be shattered if planning for a Corporate Entertainment Clay Pigeon/Air Rifle/Archery range is permitted. As part of the Corporate Activity package, the Council received a planning application for erection of Timber Buildings/pavilion for entertaining and a clay pigeon shooting range ,open between 9am and 6pm including weekends and Bank Holidays about 300m from a bird hide and overlooking the bird sanctuary at the western end of Weir Wood reservoir.

Long toed stint
Last Autumn, the Long-toed Stint was spotted at the site known for its tranquillity and peaceful setting. The Friends of Weir Wood Reservoir and local residents have set up an Action Group to oppose the planning application.

They believe that having a Corporate Clay Pigeon Shooting range just behind the bird sanctuary and in a classified AONB would greatly reduce the chances of scarce birds like the osprey from returning to nest in the future. The topography of the Reservoir forming a natural valley around the water would exacerbate and channel the noise from repetitive shot gun firing through and over the bird sanctuary.

Voice your concerns
The action group, with the support of the FoWWR , are asking for signatures to help them preserve the peace of the local environment for the bird sanctuary site and the AONB.

Concerned bird watchers and visitors are encouraged to write and make suitable comments too; Kelvin Williams, Head of Planning and Building Control, Wealden District Council,Pine Grove, Crowborough, East Sussex. TN6 1DH. quoting planning application number WD/2012/0251/F. The deadline for comments is April 4th 2012.

http://www.wildlifeextra.com/go/news/weir-wood-shoot.html