Bog off! Unusual plant could halt Gypsy site - Bedfordshire

From Bedfordshire On Sunday

A RARE flower called a Bog Pimpernell could scupper plans for a controversial Gypsy and Traveller camp.

The proposed site on New Road in Maulden is believed to be the only place in Bedfordshire the plant grows.

The Maulden location is one of 35 Central Bedfordshire Council had earmarked to host Gypsy and Travellers.

Campaigners from around the area have argued that neither they nor the travelling community were consulted about the locations.

However protesters in Ampthill and Maulden are hopeful they may win their battle to stop the development thanks to the creeping plant.

Central Bedfordshire Councillor and Ampthill Town Mayor, Paul Duckett, said: “There is a lot of wildlife growing on this land and the Bog Pimpernell only flourishes in wet lands such as this. I believe this to be theonly place in Bedfordshire where it grows and the council has been made aware of that.

“There are 35 sites that have been proposed in total, some of which are privately owned and others which are owned by the council.

“Aside from the plant this site is a sensitive piece of land.

“There has been Roman artefacts found on it and there are two Anglian Water pipes that pump fresh water to Bedfordshire and Luton.”

Bog Pimpernel, also known as Anagallis tenella, grows in damp habitats in Eurasia.

It had been more common in eastern counties of England prior to the drainage of land.

It is identified for having star shaped flowers.

Central Bedfordshire Councillor Nigel Young, who is the executive member for sustainable communities, strategic planning and economic development, said: “We have received representation about this issue along with others from various individuals and organisations.

“We are logging all of these and each piece of feedback will be considered as part of the wider planning process.”

It wouldn’t be the first time a development was halted by wildlife.

In 2009 an emergency Gypsy site at Meadow Lane in Bedford was side-lined after it was found rare and protected species of birds were nesting there.

In the same year the western bypass in the town was held up after great crested newts were found along the old A421.

A report by Bedfordshire on Sunday revealed that the cost incurred by Bedfordshire County Council was almost £1 million.

This included £220,000 on 20 kilometres of fencing put up to protect the reptiles and to stop them getting onto the road. £100,000 was spent on surveys and analysis.

see also: ITV - Rare flower puts Travellers' site in doubt