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Albino Badger Threatens Historic Home Restoration
18 Dec
Summary
- An albino badger named Alberto is a protected species.
- Plans include building 82 luxury homes to fund restoration.
- Conservationists fear development will destroy badger habitat.
Ambitious plans to restore the fire-ravaged 16th-century Parnham House are facing significant opposition due to the presence of a rare albino badger named Alberto and his family. The £25 million rescue mission, spearheaded by entrepreneur James Perkins who purchased the property in 2020, includes constructing 82 luxury homes on the estate near Beaminster to fund the restoration.
Conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts are vehemently opposing these proposals, stating that the development would bulldoze Millground Meadow, the protected habitat of Alberto and other albino badgers. They warn that this action could lead to the destruction of one of Britain's rarest animal populations and have a catastrophic impact on the local ecosystem, which also supports barn owls, otters, and dormice.
While Mr. Perkins' team asserts the scale of development is necessary for the financial sustainability of restoring the Grade I-listed manor, critics argue that prioritizing luxury housing over a unique natural environment is inexcusable. The debate centers on balancing heritage preservation with ecological protection in the Dorset countryside.
