"One of Cumbria's Most Important Bird Sites" would be just 500 metres from Nuclear Plant Wastes
image: Phil Gravell / Siddick Ponds Nature Reserve / CC BY-SA 2.0
Dear Friends,
Just 500 metres from the proposed chemical plant processing Japan's imported nuclear waste is Siddick Ponds.
"Siddick Ponds is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve (LNR) and one of Cumbria’s most important bird sites. The combination of extensive reedbed and two large ponds – one freshwater, the other brackish (a mix of fresh and saltwater) – contributes to the variety of species using the site and is unique in Cumbria, attracting a distinctive community of birds throughout the year" says Workington Nature Partnership
Workington Nature Partnership would be up in arms about the plan to bring waste from Japan's failed nuclear plant to proposed new chemical plant just 500 metres away from Siddick Ponds. They would be up in arms but they are not.
Why?
They are the same folk angling to bring Japan's nuclear waste to Workington, namely Cumberland Council.
This is from the Times and Star 2011.
"Neil Henderson, a skilled bird-ringer with many years experience, adds: “This is the jewel in the crown of Allerdale. It belongs to the people of Cumbria and is there to be enjoyed.”
The site, which contains one freshwater and one tidal saltwater lagoon, is one of just six Local Nature Reserves in Cumbria.
It has been a site of special scientific interest since the early 1950s.
It is home to rare spiders, otters, weasels, butterflies and is used by 171 species of birds.
You may even be fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of the elusive booming bittern, a bird so rare that there were as few as 20 left in the UK in the 1990s.
The site has two entrances – one at Dunmail Park and the other at Iggesund Paperboard – where there is a large bird hide. A cycle path with excellent viewing points runs alongside the reserve."
The elusive Bittern have been seen frequenting Siddick Ponds with listed sightings.
Cumberland Council's website states that: "This nature reserve is also a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the wide range of birdlife it supports. This includes one of the rarest breeding birds in Britain, the Bittern. The council manages and maintains the reserve, which has been entered into Higher Level Stewardship with Natural England, a 10-year agreement that enables funding to be drawn down for carrying out an annual management programme. The Friends of Siddick Ponds have been integral to the successful management of the reserve in recent years and continue to provide invaluable input. The Workington Nature Partnership also works closely with the reserve, enabling weekly management visits and recruiting volunteers to help with various conservation tasks. Other partners include ISS Facility Services, Natural England, Iggesund Paperboard, Groundwork North East & Cumbria and Sustrans."
Maybe some of these groups will break from Cumberland Council's enthusiastic partnership with the nuclear development and step up to voice opposition. Otherwise who will protect Siddick Ponds from the plan to bring Japan's nuclear waste to Workington for processing in a new chemical plant just 500 metres away?
Please keep sharing the petition to get the word out. https://www.change.org/p/stop-japan-s-failed-nuclear-plant-wastes-coming-to-cumbria
Many thanks
Marianne