The River Windrush and adjacent habitats are rich in biodiversity. Studies have indicated the presence of all of the protected species shown here within the area of the CLR.

The significant effects of the CLR on the local ecology will be: 30 acres of green space lost under the road reducing natural habitat Barrier to animal movement and fragmentation of remaining habitat Course of the River Windrush will be diverted disturbing river habitat Risk of silt contamination and other pollution of the river during construction 140m of established hedgerow destroyed Increased risk of animal death on the new road Mitigation measures have been proposed, but these will take years to become fully established.

The Shores Green alternative would result in the loss of some hedgerows adjacent to the A40. However as it will involve building on an area of only 3 acres, a tenth of the area taken up by the CLR, the impact will be significantly less and importantly river habitats will not be affected by the Shores Green alternative.