MEMBERS of local environmental group Foresters Against Fowling (FAF) were vocal in their opposition to the “wide range of problems” caused by intensive poultry farming at a protest last Friday (March 11).

Around 15 members of the newly-formed group took part in a peaceful demonstration outside the gates of Clearwell Farm, which is home to both an intensive poultry unit (IPU) rearing turkeys and a poultry feed mill owned by one of the UK’s biggest egg producers, Noble Foods.

The group gathered together to raise awareness of the adverse impact of the farm on local ancient woodlands caused by the spread of ammonia, as well as the impact of the feed mill, which produces grain and soya bean for farms in the Forest, Herefordshire and the surrounding counties, on the pollution of the River Wye.

Ammonia gas is created when the nitrogen in poultry manure is broken down by bacteria, and is then emitted into the air from poultry buildings.

The group says ammonia pollution is “one of the greatest threats to ancient woodland” - and the array of plants, fungi, insects, birds and mammals it supports - in the Forest of Dean.

Group member Catherine Musk said the growth of the poultry industry, including an increasing number of IPUs nationally, is having an impact on river pollution across the UK and “especially in The Wye catchment.”

FAF hopes that in raising public awareness locally, they can join forces with other concerned groups and individuals to put pressure on Noble Foods - and the industry as a whole - to take action to address the “significant environmental degradation” they are causing.

Group member Amanda Rogerson said of Clearwell Farm: “This is a particularly unsuitable site. We will never get new ancient woodland. So to pollute these unique woods with ammonia is irreversible.

“Both the turkey farm and the chicken farms Noble Foods provide food to are polluting, even devastating the Wye, making it inhospitable to fish, other river dwellers and not safe for humans to enjoy for leisure.”

Local landowner and campaigner John Payne said: “This site is unsuitable for the 44 tonne HGVs lorries used by the companies.

“Whilst standing outside the entrance in the rain we experienced two of these vehicles hurtling at 40mph towards us from the unit.

“If forced to stop they lose traction in the wet and can slide off the very narrow track.”

Amanda explained that the group is also concerned about the potential impact on local bat populations, with the site located in close proximity to Clearwell Caves.

“The massive lorries using the road to the site are driving over the caves with rare bats living in them”, she continued.

“This is bound to cause damage. I can visualise the wheel of a lorry disappearing down into the caves.”

Local environmental campaigner and West Dean Parish Councillor Jackie Dale said of Friday’s action: “I was pleased to take part in a peaceful protest which highlighted the harm that Intensive Poultry Units cause to our local environment and which sheds light on how intensive farming practices contribute to destruction of wild places around the world like clearing the Amazon rainforest to grow soya beans to feed the poultry.”

The group wants to share “essential details” with the public about intensive poultry operations in the Forest - and in particular in Clearwell - causing the loss of biodviersity in ancient woodlands.

A spokesperson explained: “A major problem for The Forest of Dean is the area has a cluster of IPU’s which cause a concentration of ammonia.

“The group knows of 11 sites in the area.

“Planning permission for the expansion of IPU’s continues to be granted, like the ‘green light’ given at Clearwell last year.

“Ancient woods, like the Forest of Dean are irreplaceable.

“We can’t replace the complex biodiversity of ancient woods which has accumulated over hundreds of years.

“All ancient woodlands are unique, and are distinctive of their locality.

“Once what little we have left is gone, it’s gone for good.”