The Woodland Trust has warned ancient woodland is under threat in a plan to build a road in the Vale of Glamorgan.
The Vale council is proposing building a road linking the A48 at Sycamore Cross with junction 34 of the M4, to ease congestion and help access Cardiff Airport.
Campaigners have previously slammed the plans for potentially knocking down 10 houses in the village of Pendoylan, and blocking key routes east-to-west for cyclists on country lanes.
Now Coed Cadw, the Woodland Trust in Wales, has criticised the proposals for the threat of damaging and destroying at least six ancient woodlands — more than four centuries old.
Natalie Buttriss, director of Wales at Coed Cadw, said: “At a time of climate and ecological emergency, we need to help our ancient woods and trees to thrive, not bulldoze them for new road schemes.
“Damaging these centuries-old habitats cannot be the only option. The council must find another way.”
The ancient woodlands under threat, according to Coed Cadw, includes: Log Wood, Coed Llwynhywel, Coed Waunn-lloff, and Coed Ffos-ceibr. In these woods live Barbastelle and Bechstein’s bat, and rare birds like lesser redpoll, lesser spotted woodpecker and woodcock.
Ms Buttriss said: “The council is offering the public a say by consulting on these routes, but the only available options ask us to choose which ancient woods to ruin and to what extent.
“The council should be seeking to conserve and enhance the biodiversity of the Vale. It should not be proposing destructive schemes where local people are asked to choose which precious ancient woods should be destroyed.
“Saving irreplaceable habitats is vital for people and wildlife — especially so if they could be harmed for a road that may not be needed.
“We are asking the public to tell the Vale of Glamorgan council that destroying and fragmenting ancient woodland is not a sustainable solution.”
The Vale council is currently consulting the public on the proposals. The consultation runs until December 23, after which the council will consider what to do next — potentially drawing up a full business case for the new road.
Coed Cadw is encouraging people to register their concerns about the loss of ancient woodland on their website.
A spokesman for the Vale of Glamorgan council said: “No decisions have been made on this matter, which is currently the subject of public consultation.
“Early in the new year, a consultation report will be presented to cabinet and a decision taken on next steps. We encourage as many people as possible to respond to the consultation.”
The plans can be read in full on the Vale council’s website, where people can also respond to the online consultation.
