Great crested newts!

Without an unprecedented effort, fully supported by the developer DPW, the construction of a deepwater terminal would threaten thousands of hectares of internationally important wildlife habitat and numerous vulnerable species. The job of minimising the environmental impacts of the development cannot be overstated.

Marcus Pearson [who is managing the environmental programme for DPW] is under no illusions about the scale of this challenge and, although he may bemoan the processes involved, he will be aware that these are required under national and international legislation. The fact that the environmental work is being carried out on an unprecedented scale adds to the challenge. For example, this year alone, Natural England and DPW are helping to relocate more than 250,000 mammals, amphibians and reptiles, and creating new habitats for many.

Alongside badgers, water voles and adders are sizeable populations of great crested newts.

Contrary to Marcus’ suggestion, these are not the only species we are concerned about, but the fact that they receive the highest level of protection under European and UK law means significant efforts need to be made to look after them. Complaints that too many newt ponds have been created and that these adversely affect the farming potential of the local farm are disingenuous. Where newt habitats are lost through development, there are international obligations to create habitats of the same extent. We have done that and are relocating substantial populations into them. Moreover, the ponds have been created with the full agreement of DPW, which owns the farm involved.

We are proud of the environmental work that has been done at London Gateway. DPW have made clear and public its ambition to adopt the highest environmental standards and we are working with it to help it meet this ambition, and sustain the wildlife and habitats surrounding this unique development.

Jim Smyllie, executive director, Natural England