More than 100 people turned up on the steps of the Senedd to voice their support for protecting the Gwent Levels as the Petitions Committee prepared to debate the Gwent Wildlife Trust petition: ‘Halt significant new development on the Gwent Levels SSSIs’.

GWT was joined by a host of supporters including Levels farmers and residents, community groups, young Wildlife Warriors, Friends of Gwent Levels, and opponents of the huge Craig-y-Perthi solar power station that will engulf the village and oust neighbouring tenant farmers.

GWT’s petition also has the support of TV naturalists Iolo Williams, Gillian Burke and Lizzie Daly, author and broadcaster Mary Colwell, and internationally acclaimed author, Julian Hoffman.

Adam Taylor, GWT CEO says,

“The importance of protecting the Gwent Levels, a beautiful, fragile, complex wetland area, teeming with wildlife cannot be over-emphasised.  This landscape is of immense value to both human wellbeing and wildlife, and it’s vital that it’s protected.”

In an impassioned address to the assembled crowd, GWT planning manager, Mike Webb, added,

“Some politicians don’t appear to understand the value of the Gwent Levels, and think that this is where they can dump all their bad neighbour developments. They do not understand either, how passionately we care about this landscape, and the wonders contained within it. We need to protect it for our future, as I do not want Welsh children to grow up in a landscape covered in a sea of glass, and tarmac and concrete, with no lapwings, bees, wildflower meadows or skylarks to bring joy and wellbeing.”

Third generation Levels resident and farmer, Ceri Hoffrock, opponent of the massive Craig-y-Perthi solar power station, says,

“This colossal development will engulf thousands of acres, destroying our community, and the stunning landscape around us.  And this is not the only huge power station proposal.  If all these developments go ahead, the heart will be ripped out of the Gwent Levels SSSI, along with the nature that depends on it, and the livelihood of farmers who have worked here for generations. The harm will be catastrophic.”

Gwent Wildlife Trust and supporters were keen to drum the message home,

“We will not be going away, this is a landscape worth fighting for, and we will continue to do so.”