I fully support the inclusion of wildlife corridors in the Local Plan. I understand that local government has a duty to safeguard biodiversity in its actions and planning
(https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-local-authorities-on-implementing-the-biodiversity-duty)
and I appreciate that you are trying to do this with this action. However, I am concerned to note that although in the original Background Review paper on wildlife corridors there was a wildlife corridor running along the Hambrook on the Southbourne/Chidham boundary this corridor has not been included in the Local Plan (see map S30a). Being familiar with this habitat on the ground I am aware that it has very high value for wildlife, consisting of ancient mixed hedgerow and woodland bordering high quality wetland environment. The woodland supports several mammal species including woodmouse, fox and badger and I have also seen evidence of the presence of water voles which I understand have been actually seen on the stream through the woods. The habitat is of great importance for bats, birds, mammals as well as plants associated with ancient woodland and high water-quality streams in an area that is otherwise increasingly denuded of wildlife and I think you should return to your original evidence-based plan to include it in the Local Plan as a fifth wildlife corridor.
In addition is should be noted that there are strong groups of people locally, represented for instance by the Southbourne Environment Group and the Friends of Maybush Copse, who are active in supporting attempts to preserve and improve the wildlife habitat still left to us and would be prepared to take an active part in sensitive attempts to maintain and enhance the value of this wildlife corridor. This factor should not be underestimated as the success of the policy in the long-term will depend on local people taking 'ownership' of wildlife habitat to help ensure it does not degrade as development occurs around it. Also, this corridor has public access through existing rights of way and with sensitive arrangements in place to minimise wildlife disturbance can help enhance the mental health and wellbeing of the residents of the local area by continuing to allow access to wild greenspace that is being increasing restricted by the urbanisation of the A27 corridor.
In conclusion, I support the Wildlife Corridors Policy but strongly urge that the fifth corridor along the Ham Brook be reinstated.