Fury as Protected Dormouse Habitat Bulldozed in Swanwick
Police were alerted on 14 March 2019 after large machinery cleared land south of Rookery Avenue in Swanwick, leaving deep track marks and uprooted hedgerows piled up messily across the site.
Developer Ignored Protected Species Warning
Landowners Knightsgate (UK) Ltd hired a tree surgeon to clear the site despite an ecology report warning of protected species, including dormice, on the land. Planning conditions required dormouse mitigation, but these were blatantly ignored.
£40,000 Fine for Destroying Dormouse Habitat
After a thorough investigation by Hampshire Constabulary’s Country Watch Team, local ecologists, and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species, Knightsgate pleaded guilty to damaging a breeding site of a European protected species at portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court in October 2020.
On 1 December at Portsmouth Crown Court, the company was slapped with a £40,000 fine plus a confiscation order of nearly £70,000 — the cost they dodged by ignoring the ecology report’s recommendations.
Experts Demand Tougher Action to Protect Vulnerable Wildlife
PC Lynn Owen, Country Watch Team:
“Dormice are a rare and protected species in Hampshire. Their population has plummeted over the last century. Knightsgate’s destruction is a devastating blow.”
“We hope this sends a clear message: those who endanger vulnerable wildlife will be dealt with robustly.”
Ian White, Dormouse Officer, People’s Trust for Endangered Species:
“Hazel dormice are rare and declining across England and Wales. Developers often ignore their presence in pursuit of profit.”
“Once dormice are lost, they’re gone forever. It’s everyone’s responsibility to protect them.”
Contractor Also Fined for Role in Habitat Destruction
Tree surgeon James Rolph, 29, from Upham, previously admitted to the offence and was fined £1,000 with additional costs in October 2020.
Meet the Country Watch Team
This specialised police unit tackles rural, wildlife, marine, and heritage crime. They work closely with partner agencies and local communities to fight agricultural crime, poaching, livestock worrying, environmental offences, and more.
