3.8 km of single carriageway will become a dual carriageway. This means that an estimated 9 hectares of ancient woodland (up to 11,000 years old) will be deforested.
Rare species of fungi, bats, wildflowers and endangered dormice live in this forest.
In order to conserve this green landscape which is typical of Kent, and in order to help save this vital habitat for important organisms of the UK, various ecological practices have been carried out.
Firstly, translocation has been done. This is where trees are uprooted and replanted in another area of the site. This helps conserve old trees, and save money and time (as new trees are not planted).
Secondly, 'bat highways' have been made; as the new road will disrupt flight paths of bats native to Kent, special 'paths' have been built above the ground so that a flight path for the bats is made.
Thirdly, heathlands have been created. In order to protect wild flower species from disappearing as a result of this construction project, mounds of earth have become new 'habitats' for these important plants.
Moreover, the replanting of trees has been done in a ratio of 2:1, so that the end result of the project will be surrounded by a lush forest.
Lastly dormice have been caught and put in manmade nests, so that they are protected from heavy machinery. This will significantly reduce the loss of these critically endangered organisms, that are protected by the EU.
It's also important to mention that a 400 year old oak tree has been saved from deforestation. The road has been designed to go around the tree, so that this important feature can be saved and appreciated by local drivers.
Rare species of fungi, bats, wildflowers and endangered dormice live in this forest.
In order to conserve this green landscape which is typical of Kent, and in order to help save this vital habitat for important organisms of the UK, various ecological practices have been carried out.
Firstly, translocation has been done. This is where trees are uprooted and replanted in another area of the site. This helps conserve old trees, and save money and time (as new trees are not planted).
Secondly, 'bat highways' have been made; as the new road will disrupt flight paths of bats native to Kent, special 'paths' have been built above the ground so that a flight path for the bats is made.
Thirdly, heathlands have been created. In order to protect wild flower species from disappearing as a result of this construction project, mounds of earth have become new 'habitats' for these important plants.
Moreover, the replanting of trees has been done in a ratio of 2:1, so that the end result of the project will be surrounded by a lush forest.
Lastly dormice have been caught and put in manmade nests, so that they are protected from heavy machinery. This will significantly reduce the loss of these critically endangered organisms, that are protected by the EU.
It's also important to mention that a 400 year old oak tree has been saved from deforestation. The road has been designed to go around the tree, so that this important feature can be saved and appreciated by local drivers.