|
IT IS FEARED that the plan by British Waterways to get more public to Fradley Pool will do more harm than good.
 A number of people have contacted NbW about the plan by BW to increase the popularity of the pool and attract many more visitors with a £100,000 spend on a host of concepts, which they feel will have the opposite affect on the precarious wildlife at the pool.
It is Chris Wells who we feel has put this ill thought out scheme in perspective, writing:
 Aside from the issues I currently have with BW regarding its poor prioritisation of its resources and its management of the waterways generally, I fear that this BW project is misguided, and it will ultimately have a negative impact upon this area, particularly the resident wildlife.
Yes, wildlife—it's called that because it's wild. I do not wish to be viewed as a kill-joy, and I fully appreciate that folks need visibility of our wildlife, and that many derive a great deal of pleasure whilst watching a wide variety of animals and insects, et al, going about their business.
Less diverse
However, I propose that, as the development of the Fradley Pool goes forward (despite what the ‘experts' might say) the wildlife that elects to remain there will be less diverse and will effectively become ‘domesticated', and denied the near natural habitat that they currently enjoy—which will border on becoming occupants of a ‘zoo without a cage' .
Those familiar with this area will already know that it is already jam-packed with folks most weekends throughout the Spring, Summer and Autumn. Winter visitation is also ramping up. Developing this pool is, in my view, entirely inappropriate, and I would urge those involved to curb their intrusion in this respect.
Demise of wildlife
Otherwise, the development of this pool in this manner will inevitably, in combination with other nearby developments, lead to the disturbance and demise of the wildlife. If Fradley Pool and the adjoining woodland was the size of one of the lakes in Cumbria, matters would probably be different, but it's not.
Imagine how you would feel if your space was invaded by a host of jabbering visitors on a daily basis and there was no place to escape from it all. I know I'd move out! |
