15 May 2008 - The Green Euro-MP for the South East has condemned West Sussex County Council today after it emerged that Northern Petroleum has been given permission to dig into ancient woodland on the South Downs in search of oil.

Dr Caroline Lucas MEP said: “In giving the green light to an oil giant to rip out parts of the South Downs for oil, the County Council has shown complete disregard for the area’s natural heritage and utter indifference to the concerns of its residents.

“The proposed drilling will have a disastrous effect on the natural surroundings, and on those members of the local community who at present enjoy the natural landscape of Markwells Wood. I also hope that the project will not jeopardise the bid to make South Downs a national park – a bid which is currently under consideration by the Government.

“Drilling for oil will mean that trees, shrubbery and wildlife will be lost from this ancient woodland, already recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while residents will suffer the consequences of a new access road; increased congestion, increased noise and increased air pollution.

“Furthermore, it must be taken into account that areas near to Markwells Wood are protected under the EU’s Habitats Directive. Protected woodland at Kingley Vale and Rook Clift, for example, lies within a five-mile radius, and the Council must demonstrate that none of this land will be negatively affected in any way.

“And although Markwells Wood is largely planted woodland, it remains crucial to the local environment for its biodiversity and valuable ancient soils.”

She continued: “This drilling application really smacks of desperation at a time when the scenario of peak oil is becoming a stark reality. With oil prices rising to record levels, it seems that increasingly desperate measures will be taken by those who would rather continue to exploit the planet’s scarce resources, than admit that we need to start reducing our dependence on fossil fuels.

“The days of plentiful oil are numbered, and very soon we’ll have to face the transition to a zero carbon economy. The UK needs sustainable, secure and self-sufficient sources of energy, and this can only be achieved by weaning our economies off oil and transferring to decentralised and renewable energy.”

ENDS