CONCERNS have been raised an 'ancient' beech woodland in Dorset could be destroyed - if plans to extract minerals within the area are given the green light.

It comes after test drilling was carried out by a mineral extraction firm at a plantation in Brideswell, near Wareham.

Dorset Echo: Bridewells and Gerald's PlantationBridewells and Gerald's Plantation

Dr Patrick Armitage, a retired ecologist who regularly walks the footpath through Bridewells, said he has worries any extraction development within the plantation would destroy not just the woodland area, but the plantation containing conifers.

He said: "I walk along a footpath which runs from Holme Lane through Bridewells and Gerald's Plantations, south of Wareham.

"I was informed there was a plan to extract clay and gravel from the area. This would involve the felling of an ancient beech woodland and a coniferous plantation.

"I'm a retired freshwater ecologist and have been monitoring small streams in the area and although these are not likely to be affected - I'm concerned that the old beech woodland will be destroyed.

"I spoke to a fellow walker who said he saw test drilling on the plantations."

Dorset Echo: East Holme AreaEast Holme Area

Dorset Council confirmed test drilling had been conducted by French mineral extraction firm Imerys, which have a base at Furzebrook Works in Wareham.

A spokesman from Dorset Council said: "The plantation is called Bridewells.

"We recently received a notification from Imerys of their intention to carry out mineral exploration including the drilling of boreholes. We found this investigation acceptable with several caveats.

"Following the exploration, if the company want to pursue extraction, this will be subject to the normal planning process when any impacts of this activity will be considered according to the planning consultation process."

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