YOUR correspondent who is somewhat amazed at the lack of sensible informed debate on the future of Roswell pits amazes me at their narrow vision (sorry - no pun intended!). They think that a kingfisher will fly away when a narrow boat – or two or fift

YOUR correspondent who is 'somewhat amazed' at the lack of 'sensible informed debate' on the future of Roswell pits amazes me at their narrow vision (sorry - no pun intended!). They think that a kingfisher will fly away when a narrow boat - or two or fifty- comes and parks outside its nesting place and then presumably fly back in again?

How comfortable would they feel if a 50-car transporter parked on the pavement outside their house (even if that is perhaps not the proportional size of the kingfisher to a narrow boat ).

The bittern lives in a reed bed outside the pits, but in their words 'for some strange reason' it uses the pit for food supplies. I've no doubt your correspondent pops out to fill their larder occasionally, even if they grow their own fruit and vegetables I expect they need a few supplies - the bittern has come because the pits supply

it with the necessary means

of survival.

The bittern is a very rare bird and we should be proud to have it breeding in our midst. People who enjoy the 'peaceful countryside' should reflect a little on where we will be when all those presently peaceful areas are invaded by machines and polluting vehicles.

We are expected to create less CO2 to halt climate change, to plant trees to absorb CO2 and encourage wildlife and to get out of our polluting vehicles, walk and take exercise. So what does East Cambs District Council do? It sist back and allow trees to be felled in preparation for moorings for motorized boats in the last wildlife area in walking distance of Ely to remain - the 300 or so people who attended the meeting showed their dismay at this state of affairs.

HILARY van de WATERING

St Mary's court

Ely