Pylon campaigners have welcomed news that wetlands and nature reserves in Suffolk and Essex could become UNESCO World Heritage sites along with the city of Bath and Tower of London.
The Essex Suffolk Norfolk pylons action group believes the protected status provided by the World Heritage label could help with their fight against plans for 180km of pylons on the Essex and Suffolk border due to the threat to birds from overhead lines.
Earlier this week, the EADT revealed local sites, including RSPB Minsmere near Saxmundham, had been included as part of an East Atlantic Flyway migratory bird route shortlisted for the World Heritage honour by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
READ MORE: Suffolk: RSPB Minsmere could be UNESCO World Heritage site
Rosie Pearson, the action group's founder, said: “This is very exciting news. Our group recently commissioned a report on the grave danger that overhead pylons create for high-risk bird species in our area, including swans, barn owls, kestrels, herons and Canada geese.
"Our figures show that power lines can kill these birds in substantial numbers.
“This Flyway corridor is used by over 90 million coastal and wild birds every year- and we are delighted that the DCMS is supporting a bid for its World Heritage site recognition – the first site of its kind.
READ MORE: Could parts of Suffolk gain Unesco World Heritage status?
"The department has acknowledged that huge transient bird populations pass through this area every year as seasons change.”
If granted, the World Heritage status, bestowed on places that are of 'outstanding universal value to humanity', would cover wetlands and reserves on the whole route from Yorkshire to Kent.
READ MORE: Saxmundham news
The recognition would enable RSPB Minsmere and the other sites on the Flyway route to promote themselves on the global stage, while protecting them for future generations to enjoy.
The pylons are set to support power lines carrying electricity from wind farms off the East Anglia coast and would line a route running through Suffolk and into Essex past Dedham, Langham and crossing the A12 to connect into the East Anglian Connection substation in Tendring.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
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