Save Oaken Wood

Help Save Oaken Wood!  This quarry extension is one of the biggest threats of the 21st century - having already destroyed 32ha of ancient wood in 2013, new quarry plans threaten at least another 50ha.

Background

Kent County Council (KCC) is currently undertaking a review of the Kent Minerals and Waste Local Plan which would extend the Plan period from 2030 to 2039. KCC state that this extension to the plan period has identified a need to plan for the supply of additional hard rock in Kent.

A ‘Call for Sites’ took place from October to December 2022 in which operators, landowners, and relevant stakeholders were invited by KCC to nominate sites for the potential allocation in the Kent Mineral Sites Plan for hard rock quarrying to meet mineral supply requirements.

Following this, a draft Kent Mineral Sites Plan has been prepared which sets out details of the one site nominated for the proposed extraction of hard rock - Land to the south and west of Hermitage Quarry in Aylesford.

The nominated site would involve the extension of Hermitage Quarry further into Oaken Wood and would likely result in the loss of over 50 hectares of irreplaceable ancient woodland.

• The loss of ancient woodland from this scheme could be greater than the losses from HS2 and the Lower Thames Crossing combined.
• It is the biggest single development threat to ancient woodland in England for decades.
• The extension of the quarry would also lead to the degradation of the Oaken Wood Local Wildlife Site. The nominated site contains key habitats is home to rare and diverse animal and plant life.

How can you help prevent the loss of Oaken Wood?

In 2013 an expansion of the quarry was permitted which resulted in the loss of approximately 32 hectares of ancient woodland. Since then, the policy position and priorities of the UK government have changed dramatically and there is now a greater focus on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.

It is also now widely recognised that the UK is rated as one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world and that biodiversity is in significant trouble with over 40% of species in decline. Tree cover in the UK is down to just 13% and what remains is at threat despite the important role trees and woodland play in storing carbon and providing essential habitats.

Kent County Council launched a consultation allowing you to share your views on the Hermitage Quarry expansion proposal, which closed on 25 July 2023, thank you to all who shared their views.

You can still visit KCC’s Kent Mineral Sites Plan consultation page to register to receive updates and keep track of how the plan is progressing.’