The Trust own the 160-acre nature reserve on the south side of the Humber which is home to some of the UK’s rarest and most special wildlife. As such, the site, and the adjacent Humber Estuary have been given the highest level of protection possible under UK law.

But now, proposals for 19 new lodges threaten to impact on the wildlife that calls the nature reserve home. The location is right in the heart of the reserve.

If the development went ahead, it would increase the disturbance to numerous species for which the site has been designated. Many of these nest or are found in very close proximity to the proposed development. For example, bittern, marsh harrier, bearded tit, Cetti’s warbler, kingfisher and barn owl all breed and the area is frequently used by badger, otter and water vole. All of these species are protected by law.

Chief Executive Paul Learoyd said:
“The Trust is not against sensible development in the right place but Far Ings is one of the most important sites in the country for its wildlife. The application has been put forward with no acknowledgement of the value of the sites and the impact that the development could have. We therefore feel we have no other option than to oppose these plans.”

The planning consultation runs until Tuesday 27 July and further details can be found on the North Lincolnshire Planning Portal website (case ref PA/2021/813).

Far Ings has been designated as Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) as well as forming part of the Humber Special Protection Area (SPA). These are the highest level of designation for a nature conservation site under UK law.

The reserve includes a number of species that are protected under UK law and for which the site has been designated.