The Bicester Advertiser has reported claims from a former Ministry of Defence police officer that badgers, bats, great crested newts and abundant birdlife were known to inhabit MOD Bicester Site A during his approximately 15 years working there.
The former officer, who asked not to be named, told the newspaper that badgers regularly used the site and claimed the MoD had installed special gaps or “badger gates” in perimeter fencing to allow them to continue using established routes.
He also recalled bats and newts around water tanks and described birdlife including green woodpeckers.
The report contrasts his recollections with the ecological evidence currently available for the proposed asylum accommodation development. The Home Office’s Preliminary Ecological Appraisal acknowledges that the site contains habitat suitable for protected species, including bats, badgers, great crested newts and breeding birds, but does not confirm their presence.
The Bicester Advertiser also highlights ecological research undertaken by local campaigner Claire Brenner, who says environmental records show 12 protected bat species, otters, breeding great crested newts, badgers, nightingales and a total of 66 bird species on and around the site.
Further wildlife surveys have been recommended before development proceeds.
The former MoD officer also questioned whether the infrastructure at the former military depot is suitable for accommodation on the scale proposed by the Home Office.
His account adds another perspective to the continuing scrutiny of the ecological evidence and environmental assessment relating to MOD Bicester Site A.
