Concerned residents and environmental activists came together to peacefully protest plans to develop land known to be a haven for wildlife.
The protest at the weekend was part of the Only Wildlife on Lowfield Lane campaign, or OWL for short, which objects to plans by Arkwood Developments to build more than 130 homes on an area of grassland and meadow on Lowfield Lane, just off London Road in Balderton.
The group hopes that the protest will encourage Newark and Sherwood District Council to consider protecting the area from development.
The land was allocated for development in 2013 and was bought by the council in 2018.
However, protestors argue that the area is valuable for biodiversity, and is enjoyed by residents and animals alike, with reports of species such as Barn Owls, Tawny Owls, and Kestrels nesting on the site.
Concerns have also been raised about flooding in the area, with worries that development could see problems — similar to those experienced during this winter’s storms — worsened in coming years.
Lack of infrastructure, public services and dangers from the increased traffic flow along Lowfield Lane, Belvoir Road, Manners Road and the exit onto London Road were also raised.
Organiser Des Kay said: “Lowfield Lane is a thriving ecosystem with rare invertebrates, breeding birds and species rich grasslands.
“The community is rightly concerned about the destruction of wildlife habitat, rare grassland and ancient hedgerows.”
In March 2023 the campaigners set upa petition to save Lowfield Lane from development, and have since established a social media group where visitors to the area can share their photos of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Regular bat walks have also been organised, and a showcase of wildlife art took place at the nearby Salvation Army to highlight the issue.
"There is a real community feel to this peaceful, tranquil corner of South Balderton and locals are trying to safeguard it against the onslaught of development," said campaigner and resident Vicky Hodgson.
Darren Riley, a life-long resident, added: “I remember coming here as a child and exploring. I loved it then and still do.
“It’s the only precious green space left in Balderton and it would be a tragedy to see the bulldozers move in.”
Other recent developments in the area include Middlebeck, the Newark Southern Link Road, the Welcome Break service station just off the A1, and an extension of Fernwood.
Campaigners encouraged concerned residents to register their objections to the plans (22/02375/FULM) on Newark and Sherwood District Council’s planning website.
The protest was also attended by county and district councillor for Balderton, Johnno Lee, who is standing as the Conservative candidate for Nottingham East in the upcoming General Election.
