The Ghost Moths recently discovered on the field where Persimmon Homes is planning to build 250 houses, appear to be causing the developers some consternation.  The presence of the moths has now been officially confirmed by the County Moth Recorder who visited the site in person to confirm the identification.

The Ghost Moth (Hepialus humuli) is a UK Priority Species covered under Section 41 (England) of the NERC Act 2006 and so is a species "of principal importance for the purpose of conserving biodiversity" and needs to be taken into consideration by the Planning Committee when making its decision.

Persimmon have now confirmed that they will be considering "additional ecology surveys to take account of the moth population and habitats".

It just goes to show that plans cannot be rushed through when they involve development in ecologically sensitive areas.  The standard ecology survey commissioned by Persimmon, unsurprisingly missed the Ghost Moths.  What other species have been missed?

The Shropshire Biodiversity Action Plan states that semi-natural broadleaved woodland is valuable for biodiversity and that ancient woodlands are of particular importance.  Objective A of the SBAP is to "ensure no further loss or degradation of semi-natural broadleaved woodland".  The proposed development can only result in the further degradation of the ecology of Lion Coppice.  Who knows how many species could become nothing but ghosts if such an easily recognisable species as the Ghost Moth could be so casually lost.