Queen guitarist Brian May helps save hedgehog habitat in Surrey
He co-founded charity the Save Me Trust.
A Surrey wildlife charity has taken on supermarket giant Sainsbury’s and won in a battle to save a hedgehog home.
The company had planned to expand the lorry loading bay at their Burpham store, into an area identified as a local green space in the Burpham Neighbourhood Plan.
Save Me Trust said it would harm the hedgehog population that lived in the woodland, and more than 2,700 people signed their petition to halt the development until a suitable stainable solution could be found.
The campaign group managed to persuade Sainsbury’s to rethink their plans, meaning 67 trees will now be saved.
Queen guitarist Brian May, who co-founded the Windlesham-based Save Me Trust, said: “Vanishing habitat is the most pressing issue facing wildlife today.
“Sainsbury’s decision is a great step towards ensuring that wild animals already pushed into narrow corridors are able to survive and more importantly to thrive.”
He added: “We are now confident that solutions can be found for their expansion plans that are sustainable and effective, supporting local flora, fauna and humans.”
Co-founder and chief executive Anne Brummer added: “Sainsbury’s were very keen to revisit it and look at different ways.”
Sainsbury’s said they needed a new loading bay because of the increased demand for deliveries during the coronavirus pandemic.
But Guildford Borough Council received 321 comments on the application made in September, mostly objecting to the loss of green space, trees and wildlife habitat.
Resident Lyndsay Cameron pointed out the need to deliver essential items to people unable to get out. She said: “Hedgehogs are lovely and we should protect them but not before we protect vulnerable people who need guaranteed delivery slots.”
Hazel McGee suggested they use part of the existing car park, since the increased need for deliveries could mean a reduced need for private car park spaces.
Sainsbury’s said they reached out to Brian May and set up a meeting via Zoom.
A spokesperson for the supermarket said they had withdrawn the planning application after listening to people’s concerns.
She said: “We will work in partnership with local groups to redesign our application, so that it doesn’t touch the buffer zone surrounding the ancient woodland and also increases the biodiversity of the area.
“We look forward to working with the community over the coming months especially with groups such as Save Me Trust and the Woodland Trust, on a revised proposal that brings the best possible environmental benefits alongside supporting local jobs and more convenient ways to shop.”