A planning application for 110 houses adjacent to a Local Nature Reserve in Suffolk has recently been refused, partially on the grounds that it would result in an increase in recreational pressure on the wildlife site. The nature reserve was designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest in 2003 for its calcareous and acidic grasslands, which provide habitat for several rare plant species. Natural England advised that most of the damage to the site would be caused by dog walking and visitors walking off the main path, which it said would lead to the trampling of habitats and rare plants and the eutrophication of the soil. Other activities that would result in pressure to the site include increased litter on site and potential fires due to picnics and barbeques. Havannah Nature Reserve is a Local Nature Reserve and contains one of only two areas of lowland heath in Newcastle. The areas of calcareous and acidic grassland provides habitat for a range of rare plant species and invertebrates. Lowland heath is rare and threatened habitat and is classed as a priority habitat under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan. What will be the impact on Havannah Nature Reserve's plants and animals, if the green light is given to 1,200 houses adjacent to the reserve? http://www.newmarketjournal.co.uk/news/lakenheath-homes-plan-refused-for-its-affects-on-aspects-from-rare-plants-to-village-school-1-7798000