THERE are fears for wildlife after weedkiller was sprayed on land bordering a nature reserve.

The East of England Develop-ment Agency has been criticised for using the spray to clear foliage on a 20-acre area of land off Northwick Road, bordering Canvey Wick, which is a site of special scientific interest and home to hundreds of species of rare insects.

Canvey councillor Dave Black-well says the weedkiller has done some damage to grassland on the edge of Canvey Wick.

He also believes it has poisoned a marshy area outside the site, which is a source of water for insects and birds.

Mr Blackwell said: “It’s environmental vandalism, pure and simple.

“You could see dead plants that were all curled up, and there were still bees moving about on them, trying to collect pollen.

“It could affect the whole food chain, right from the top to the bottom. Why didn’t they wait until the end of the summer, when the whole area would have died off naturally?”

The EEDA owns the 250-site, which includes the nature area and a 20-acre patch of land that has been designated for future industrial use.

It is this portion of land that was sprayed with chemicals.

Matt Shardlow, chief executive of conservation group Bug Life, said any damage to Canvey Wick was a criminal act.

He added: “There’s an amazing number of rare species there. It was called England’s first rain forest when it was discovered.

“One of the reasons is there has been no use of chemicals there for several decades.”

An EEDA spokesman said: “We have an environment con- sultant who advises on the best management practice in such situations.

“The spraying is carefully managed so as not to endanger any local people or wildlife.

“This is standard practice which has been followed for years.”