Like it or hate it the building works at Poundbury certainly make a statement on the skyline with buildings of up to seven storey's high, some may be considered ascetically pleasing whilst others have the opposite effect, but what of the effects of this building urbanisation on the countryside?

Up until this year whilst walking my dog in the Poundbury area I have had the privilege of watching the deer foraging for food early in the morning, the hares boxing in nearby fields during March and the joy of identifying numerous small birds.

Usually by this time of the year watching the skylarks take flight, they are easy to identify because of their flight pattern and their melodious song This year I have heard and seen nary a bird.

The deer population being reduced to two and the hares to one, the small bird population has been reduced by lack of habitat for the stone chat and yellow hammer and even the sparrows and starling's are struggling to survive!

As a nation we are encouraged to provide food and habitats for our wildlife, but how can this be achieved if building work continues at the pace it is doing so especially in Dorchester, garden space is very limited etc and no provision made for our diverse wildlife.

As far as I can see the only species that seem to thrive are those that have learnt to adapt to modern living like the Gulls, Rooks and Magpies,

Is this what we want for the future or do we want variety and a legacy for our children and grandchildren, we should act now before we lose the rest of the joys of nature, not pontificate about preserving but be a landowner that provides!

Heather Robinson

Bridport Rd

Dorchester