A group of eco-friendly activists are calling on Dartford residents to help save a local "wildlife gem" as developers eye up the land to build industrial units.
The Cotton Marshes, which is the land situated next to the QE2 bridge, makes up part of the Crossways Business Park site under the label Plot E10.
According to the most recent council documents, planning permission to construct three buildings housing seven industrial units was granted by Dartford Council in 2017.
Now, a group of concerned wildlife enthusiasts have
Speaking to News Shopper, avid campaigner Natalie Boorman believes that a diverse population of wildlife are being disturbed due to the works and that an in-depth ecological study has not been conducted as of yet.
"We think that a survey has been done but a not a thorough enough one.
"We are not even sure what even resides there yet, there could be some rare wildlife there," she said.
Protesters take action against development works. Credit: Natalie Boorman
Mrs Boorman, an occupational therapist for those who suffer with mental health issues, explained that the group bonded over a shared fondness for their local environment and the need to protect it from being paved over.
The Cotton Marshes site pictured in recent months. Credit: Natalie Boorman
The Cotton Marshes have since become their main priority since work began on the site.
"I’ve lived in Dartford all my life and I think one of the best things about Dartford is that you can walk or drive five minutes out of wherever you are and find a nice green space.
"We were all obvious to this previous piece of land but when we went to visit it we were blown away by its natural beauty and everything that was there.
"We just knew that it was a very special place that we wanted to protect," said Mrs Boorman.
A comparison photo showing the Cotton Marshes today compared to last year. Credit: Save Cotton Marshes
With their petition still receiving a steady stream of signatures, Mrs Boorman has expressed gratitude to those who share her beliefs and wishes to see the land returned to its former state.
"It just makes you feel empowered to strive on for change .
"I think it speaks to itself about how local residents feel towards all the building works that’s been happening.
According to the group's petition, they believe that if further development is to go ahead that a number of animal habitats will also be destroyed in the process, including nightingales; reed buntings; sedge warbler; cetti warblers along with a vast variety of butterfly breeds.
The action group, which Mrs Boorman says have aligned themselves with a branch of the Extinction Rebellion climate change group, also staged a peaceful protest at the start of the month against the works with the hope of gaining more support towards their goal.
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