This photograph shows the ancient woodland on the Norwich Western Link route which has been given special status - and could further hamper the road's construction.
Wildlife campaigners say Natural England's decision to add North Wood, between Ringland and Weston Longville, to its inventory of ancient woodland adds to the argument of why the £274m road should not be built.
Norfolk County Council leaders, who have long said the road is needed to stop rat-running and boost the economy, have said they are considering what the designation of the 2,500 square metre woodland, means for the troubled project.
What is ancient woodland?
Planning authorities are required to check the inventory to ensure planned developments avoid negatively impacting ancient woodland - defined as an area continuously wooded since the 1500s.
And Norfolk Wildlife Trust, which is opposing the 3.9m road, to connect the Northern Distributor Road to the A47 west of Norwich, said it is "another addition to an already compelling argument against the Norwich Western Link road".
How was it identified?
The ecologist whose research led to North Wood, which is owned by a private landowner, being identified as ancient woodland, said he was "delighted" it had been added to Natural England's list.
John Allaway made the discovery following extensive woodland surveys, research in Norfolk Records Office to look at historic maps of the area, and consultation with Dr Sarah Spooner, a professor of landscape history at the University of East Anglia.
As well as its ancient origins, North Wood plays host to several plant species that are well-known ‘ancient woodland indicators’ including bluebell, primrose, dog’s mercury and wood anemone, as well as earthworks that are often characteristic of ancient woodland.
After finding such evidence, Mr Allaway sent a report to Natural England to ask them to consider adding North Wood to the ancient woodland inventory.
He said: "Identifying ancient woodland is a complex task, and only possible by building up layers of evidence throughout history.
"However, if you know what you are looking at, North Wood stands out a mile.
"During a visit in spring 2022, I found the woodland filled with old native trees and carpeted with bluebells and other plants that are characteristic of ancient woodland.
"After consulting a wide variety of historic documents, it was clear that every map showed the wood exactly as it is now, same size, same name. I’m delighted that my efforts have resulted in this special place being formally recognised as ancient woodland."
Helen Baczkowska, Norfolk Wildlife Trust's nature recovery manager, said: "We've long known that the mix of ancient woodland, riverside marshes, hedges and veteran trees found within the Wensum Valley is vital for wildlife.
"We've also been warning for a long time that the Norwich Western Link will do irreparable damage to this special landscape and the wildlife that calls it home.
"This new entry on Natural England’s ancient woodland directory is yet another addition to an already compelling argument against the Norwich Western Link road."
A series of blows
Norfolk County Council's hopes for the road have been dealt a series of blows.
Natural England signalled it was unlikely to award a licence for barbastelle bats on the road's route to be moved or harmed during its construction - which would block it being built.
Meanwhile, the Department for Transport (DfT) agreed to provide £213m towards the bill, but County Hall leaders hoped that would be increased to £251m, using money 'saved' by cancelling the northern leg of the HS2 rail route.
However, the previous government failed to confirm extra cash before the election was called.
Norwich South Labour MP Clive Lewis branded the road a "vanity project" of the Conservative-run county council and said it was an "environmental and financial disaster".
Labour ministers have said they will look at alternatives to the road.
Meanwhile, the council has lodged plans for the road with its own planning department, with consultation continuing until August 19.
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