Normanby Park and Go Ape

North Lincs Council have invited Go Ape to take over the wood within Normanby Hall Country Park -  http://www.northlincs.gov.in-north-lincolnshire/

As someone who visits this wood most days to monitor the birds and wildlife it doesn't take a genius to work out my thoughts on this.

I wrote to Go Ape on the 10th April expressing my concerns along with the following to which I still have not had a reply

• Breeding bird survey - please confirm if this has been carried out and please send me a copy if it has - there are four red data birds breeding in the woodland currently  - Song Thrush, Mistle Thrush, Greenfinch and Spotted Flycatcher, another two red data birds Lesser Spotted Woodpecker (was seen in the park last Saturday and although hasn’t bred in the last few years did always breed in this area of the wood) and Woodcock.  On the amber list there is Stock Dove and Tawny Owl which also both breed in the wood.
• Bat survey -  7 species use the park so please also confirm what bat activity studies and by whom have been carried out
• Great Crested Newts - it was said on Wednesday evening that a survey had been carried out and no newts were present, again can you confirm when this was done as although I would agree there is no suitable habitat for breeding I know of a registered Great Crested Newt colony which is literally over the otherside of the wall from your proposed site and these newts may hibernate in the wood
• Please confirm exactly how many mature trees are being removed, obviously you cannot replace mature trees but are there any plans to make amends for their loss nb;
  0. Planning permission should be refused for development resulting in the loss or deterioration of irreplaceable habitats, including ancient woodland and the loss of aged or veteran trees found outside ancient woodland, unless the need for, and benefits of the development in that location clearly outweigh the loss.” 

At a meeting held in the park for parish councillors a number of Normanby residents expressed strong concerns over increased traffic and noise pointing out that the car park is often full at weekends now, however in Go Apes information leaflet to residents it states "Go Ape will create a very small increase in car journeys".  The council representative at the meeting also stated that "this will not be a big money earner for the council" which begs the question why then invite them in!

Again the Council/Go Ape literature says up to 30 jobs will be created - in reality their Business Development Manager says there will be 2 full-time jobs and then part-time students will be used - presumably not on the living wage.

This Friday 12th May 1.30-6.30 and Sat 13th May 9.00-1.30 reps from Go Ape will be in the stable yard within the park to speak to personally so if you wish to find out more go along - however I would go after 4.30 on Friday or before 10.30 on Saturday otherwise it will cost you £7 to get in! 

Go Ape have yet to apply for a planning application - when I know details of their application I will post it on this blog with details on how to comment.