In a move that has sent shockwaves through the conservation community, the UK’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) is poised to sell a rare and ecologically invaluable parcel of land in Essex for housing development. The 76-hectare site, known as Middlewick Ranges, is a haven for endangered species and one of the last remaining acid grasslands in the region. Experts warn that the sale could set a catastrophic precedent for biodiversity conservation efforts nationwide.
A Sanctuary Under Threat
Middlewick Ranges, situated on the outskirts of Colchester, has remained untouched by agriculture for over two centuries, allowing a unique ecosystem to flourish. The site boasts an impressive array of rare and threatened species, including:
- Nightingales – Middlewick is the second-best location in the country for these elusive songbirds
- Barbastelle bats – A rare and protected species that relies on the grassland habitat
- Necklace ground beetle – An endangered insect found in only a handful of sites nationwide
- Four-banded weevil-wasp – A species confined to Essex and Kent
In addition to these flagship species, the site is home to nearly 1,500 invertebrate species, representing a quarter of all Britain’s spider species, as well as thriving populations of reptiles, amphibians, mammals, and specialist fungi.
Flawed Ecological Assessments
Conservationists argue that the decision to sell Middlewick Ranges for housing development is based on faulty and flawed environmental evidence. A freedom of information request revealed that a 2017 ecological report, which identified large swaths of rare acid grassland at the site, was not seen by Colchester city councillors when they allocated 1,000 homes to Middlewick in their local plan.
A subsequent 2020 report, produced for the MoD, controversially downgraded almost half of the acid grassland, making it easier to justify building on the site. Experts maintain that this report vastly underestimates Middlewick’s ecological value.
This idea that every habitat is replaceable is a misuse of biodiversity net gain. We need to draw a red line and say this is irreplaceable habitat.
Martin Pugh, senior ecological consultant
Biodiversity Net Gain Concerns
The MoD’s development plans rely on the controversial concept of biodiversity net gain (BNG), which requires developers to ensure a 10% increase in biodiversity after building on a site. However, conservationists argue that the methods proposed to achieve this at Middlewick, such as adding sulphur to mitigation land to create “new” acid grassland, are unproven and reckless.
Experts emphasize that it is impossible to replicate the intricate web of life found in the undisturbed acidic soils of Middlewick Ranges. If the development proceeds, it could set a dangerous precedent for other ecologically sensitive sites across the UK.
Calls for Intervention
Conservation scientists have written to the UK defence secretary, John Healey, urging him to reverse the decision to sell Middlewick Ranges. They argue that the site could easily qualify for designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) based on its exceptional biodiversity value.
It is astonishing it is not an SSSI. It is of the same ecological importance as acid grasslands of fully protected SSSIs, like Epping Forest. The dream scenario would be to make it a nature reserve that people could access.
Jeremy Dagley, director of conservation at Essex Wildlife Trust
As pressure mounts on the government to intervene, the fate of Middlewick Ranges hangs in the balance. The outcome of this battle could have far-reaching implications for the future of biodiversity conservation in the UK. Will short-term housing needs triumph over the irreplaceable ecological heritage of this rare and precious site? Only time will tell.
