Sir, - With great dismay we have read in the April issue of BBC Wildlife of plans for roadbuilding near Newbridge, Co Kildare, and the effects it will have on Pollardstown Fen, a Special Area of Conservation, Statutory Nature Reserve and Natural Heritage Area.
We visited this unique wet area in 1996 and were fascinated by the diversity of flora and fauna which we had the privilege of observing there. We learned how sensitive and complex the existence of the fen is and were fascinated that something like this should still be possible to preserve in a modern society. The sight of the fragrant orchids, for one thing, is something that we will never forget.
Our visit to Ireland in 1996 is one of very fond memories of your lovely country and friendly people. Above all, the intactness of the natural world impressed us very much. We fervently hope that Ms Sile de Valera, the Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands, will reconsider her decision to build the bypass. - Yours, etc.,
Sandra Scheffel, Bund Naturschutz, Regensburgh, Germany.