|
Proposed New 25 Hectare Local Nature Reserve
|
|
On Monday 6th September the Parish Council met with the Defence Infrastructure Organisation as part of the ongoing stage one public consultation workshops regarding the Flowerdown redevelopment (Sir John Moore Barracks). The Parish Council presented its preferred vision for a new 25 hectare Local Nature Reserve in the countryside area located to the north of the Flowerdown Estate.
The area is home to a vast array of wildlife, including endangered and protected species. The Parish Council wishes to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of the site which is home to hedgehogs, rare butterflies, fireflies, slow worms, glow worms, deer, owls, bats and dormice. In addition to a new Local Nature Reserve, the council also proposed integrating a heritage trail, highlighting the important military history of the site. Flowerdown was a top-secret listening base during World War II and Wrens stationed at the site fed intercepted messages to Alan Turing and his team of code breakers at Bletchley Park.
|
|
The proposed nature reserve is the area marked yellow (please click on the image to view a full size version), next to the Littleton recreation ground.
The Parish Council have secured the support of The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust CEO Debbie Tan (view letter) who has written to the MOD endorsing the proposals. Steve Brine MP is also supporting the new Local Nature Reserve along with our Littleton councillors.
|
|
|
With the possibility of the North of Winchester facing further development, so too will the need for green spaces that people can interact with from an environmental, health & wellbeing, education, arts, and cultural heritage perspective. These proposals will serve to protect the identity of Littleton as a village and ensure that the recreation ground does not become locked by development. Our goals are clear and timely:
1. Protect and enhance the biodiversity of the site.
2. Help combat climate change. Think globally, act locally.
3. Provide a place of mental and physical wellbeing for our community.
The Parish Council will not oppose in principle the redevelopment of the legitimate 40 hectares of brown field (previously developed) part of Flowerdown. We also understand the need for a Park and Ride, but not in an area designated as countryside when there are other more compelling options in the north which have been outlined by Winchester City Council.
|
|
|
If you would like to show your support for a new local nature reserve, please send a letter or email to Lisa, our Parish Clerk at clerk@lhpc.org.uk.
|
|
|
|
