Hollicombe Action Group

Mr Ray Brewer with Death's Head Hawk Moth found on the perimeter
of Hollicombe Gas Works site fronting Old Paignton Road

Photo:Torquil McLeod, Herald Express Wed 4th July 2007

Wildlife at Hollicombe
by Ray Brewer

You may have seen the recent article about the sighting of an extremely rare Death's Head Hawk Moth on the perimeter of the Hollicombe site (see pic above). The article points out that for the past forty years, ever since gas production ceased on the site in 1968, wildlife has been largely free to flourish in this habitat. Not that it was ever absent - even when the gas works was going full blast.

The six acres or so at the rear of the site fronting Old Paignton Road was never much disturbed by gas production - except for storage of coal and the wildlife which is now present in abundance is probably much the same as it has been for thousands of years.

In effect we have, in the very heart of Torbay, a ready-made wildlife park teeming peacefully with an interesting range of flora and fauna including some protected species.

Can we afford to stand by and watch as this land is carelessly dessicrated and this beautiful oasis is lost forever to make way for150-200 concrete flats?

I hear you say "Ah yes, but we need the houses". Do we? Are you sure? According to local estate agents there are in Torbay at any one time upwards of 2000 houses and flats for sale. That's not counting the 2000 or more that are empty at any one time that are not for sale - owned by wealthy people from distant parts as holiday homes.

Please remember that this insane drive for more houses comes directly from central government with no regard whatsoever for local needs.

An important statistic from our registry office in Oldway is that for every 1 live birth in Torbay there are 3.5 deaths recorded.

Shortage of housing in Torbay is a myth fostered by people who's only motive is greed - lust for money, profits and the bottom line...