AN environmental protection group is urging local people to make sure they complete their contribution to a consultation of the route of the planned Lower Thames Crossing.

Alongside many local campaign groups – including the Thurrock-based Thames Crossing action Group – the Woodland Trust has been a fervent campaigner against proposals for a new tunnel linking Essex and Kent under the River Thames since 2016.

The Trust says: "The proposed route for the Lower Thames Crossing could be devastating for ancient woodland.

"While Highways England has failed to provide any detail on the level of loss or damage to ancient woodland, our own assessment of the impacts has revealed 12 ancient woods and 15 veteran trees are under threat of damage or loss.

"We need Highways England to step up and listen to concerns for the ancient woods and veteran trees of Essex and Kent.

"Many of these woods are prime examples of ancient woodland and are specially protected in recognition of their value and uniqueness. They are living descendants from Britain's prehistory and home to some of our rarest and most iconic species, from bluebells to dormice to woodpeckers.

Please help us to try and stop this damage from happening by adding your own comments to the consultation before it ends on 25 March.

The online consultation can be found HERE