New Theme Park Being Built Near London Could Be Devastating For Wildlife

A new theme park is in the works to be built just outside of London. The park, London Resort, would be built on the Thames, a 215-mile river that goes through London and out to the North Sea. The plans for building the massive theme park on the Swanscombe peninsula would be devastating for the surrounding wildlife.

Source: Buglife/Youtube

The new park would be as large as 136 Wembley stadiums and include themed rides, a water park, conference venues, hotels, and a shopping center. Many endangered wildlife would suffer from the building of the park. The proposed building area has already been designated as a “site of special scientific interest” because of the vast ecosystem of rare plants and wildlife that it is home to. The theme park says it wants to be bigger and better than Disneyland, but thankfully many are pushing back because of the impact it would have on surrounding ecosystems.

In a controversial move, the theme park is being proposed as a “nationally significant infrastructure project” or NSIP, which is usually only used for projects for major roads, power plants, and airports. NSIPs are approved or rejected by the government, which has been a concern for many as the local authorities won’t have any say.

The peninsula is one of the only two places in the UK where the endangered jumping spider resides. Also known as Attulus distinguendus, the spider is tiny and, unlike other species, does not spin a web to catch prey. It uses its impressive eyesight and jumping abilities to leap more than ten times its own length towards its target.

The area also hosts more than 1,700 invertebrate species, including ¼ of the UK’s water beetle species and more than 200 species that are considered essential to conserve. The area also hosts marsh harriers, spoonbills, otters, and a wide range of orchids.

Source: Swanscombe Peninsula/Youtube

Evan Bowen-Jones, chief executive of Kent Wildlife Trust, said that if plans move forward, it would be the biggest loss of protected land in the UK.

“We would lose an urban oasis – home to species that range from jumping spiders to marsh harriers – for plastic dinosaurs, fairground rides, and yet more gridlock and Pollution at a time when the importance of nature to human wellbeing has never been clearer.”

The project was originally proposed in 2014, and there have been many supporters who have changed their minds along the way. Some argue that the park would generate thousands of jobs, but the species lost would be far more devastating. We have already destroyed so many ecosystems and endangered numerous animals. We need to protect these vulnerable animals and save their homes!

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