Audrey Fryer's letter (Cornish Times, (13.04.07) prompts me to reply. The National Trust has a strong case for appealing against Caradon District Council's rejection of its request to flood the Haye Marsh meadow. The planning committee's rejection was against the advice of their officers and was, one suspects, prompted more by emotion than reason. The objectors do not have a strong case if one looks at the matter objectively. There is a great shortage of wet reed march nationally. The area of such marsh has been reduced dramatically over the past 50 years. Such wetland is home to a wide range of species not found elsewhere. This particular meadow was created out of reed-bed wetland in the early 19th century but is no longer needed for agricultural purposes. It is perfectly reasonable to return it to its original, natural state. In trying to do so, the trust has the support of a very large number of national organisations concerned with wildlife and the countryside and has the consent of the river and navigation authorities. The 700 signatories Audrey Fryer refers to sounds impressive but it is really only a very small number of vigourous campaigners who are driving the objections. The only loss to the area is a pretty view available from one corner of a country lane. The gain, in terms of national benefit and the extension of otherwise diminishing wetlands, far outweighs the objections of the few, and the trust is fully justified in spending its members' money in funding such an appeal.
ANTHONY D WOOD Liskeard