A landowner is being sued by environmental regulators for the destruction of a river.
Natural England (EA), the Environment Agency, (EA), and Natural England (Natural England) allege that the landowner caused damage to a site containing special scientific interests (SSSI), carried out clearing and reprofiling river banks which were likely to cause damage to the river’s stability or endanger it, and allowed silt to flow into the river.
After receiving complaints about clearing along the riverbank in December 2020, Herefordshire’s River Lugg, near Kingsland, was investigated by the agencies.
After receiving reports of illegal felling of trees, dredging and profiling of river banks along nearly a mile (1.5km), the agencies were alerted.
The police and officials served a stop notice to landowners to halt the works. The local wildlife trust claimed that the river was in dire condition and would have severe consequences for wildlife as well as water quality.
After a long investigation, Natural England and the EA announced that they had launched legal action on Wednesday. Additional works that were allegedly done by the landowner December 2021 are also included in the charges.
Oliver Harmar, chief operating officer at Natural England stated: This section of the River Lugg was destroyed by the destruction of habitats for iconic wildlife like salmon, kingfisher, and otters. It was heartbreaking that this beautiful riverside had been illegally damaged.
Because of its importance to nature, the area is designated an SSSI. The agencies stated that consent is required before any work can be done within an SSSI.