A petition has launched to save Wilford Field from ‘looming threats of development.’
The petition, which is here for those who wish to support, reads:
Wilford Field, a secluded haven of wildlife between the Wilford Fields and Compton Acres residential areas, is under the constant looming threat of future development.
As the rest of Rushcliffe and the south of Nottingham is developed, we call on Rushcliffe Borough Council to protect this land through establishing it as a ‘Local Nature Reserve’.
In doing so, it must work with the local community to set out a positive mangement plan in conjunction with Natural England, that shows a future of good managment of the land and secures its future as a cherished centre of our community.
Establishing an arboretum, in cooperation with the Woodland Trust, will be an assett to the county and community.
Maintaining the wide field with a circular arboretum walk around the outside edge will become a haven for all local residents: animal and human, young and old.
Over the past 8 months during the COVID-19 lockdown, many of us have found a new passion for our local environment whilst out for daily walks. This beautiful green lung in the middle of a busy community has become more important than ever.
This much-loved tranquil area of grass and greenery must stay open for everyone in the Wilford and Compton Acres community to enjoy. It is a valued and cherished community asset that should be better protected and better cared for. The field is home to an abundance of birds and other wildlife, children play there, families walk there, dogs (and cats) exercise there, hedgehogs thrive there and everyone benefits from having this green lung in their area.
We, as a community, call on the local council to protect this land for the future, designate it as a Local Nature Reserve and work with the local community to plant trees and ensure access for all.
Daniel Atherton who is part of Wilford Community Group told The Wire:
‘There is a real passion in our community to protect our cherished green spaces. Covid-19 and the lockdowns have demonstrated a critical need for our local parks and areas of wildlife.
‘There is nothing new in a community standing up to protect its green spaces. As West Bridgford expands further south, the ability to walk from your door to somewhere truly green and natural is becoming increasingly difficult.
‘This is not a case of standing up to developers but to ensuring developers do not take away what makes our communities truly beautiful and liveable.
‘I’ve met countless residents who share in a desire to protect this land and to see a responsible plan to care for it for generations to come.
‘The local councillor, Gordon Wheeler, has been very supportive and will be taking the petition forwards to the next County Council full-council meeting in March.’
Cllr Gordon Wheeler, Nottinghamshire County Councillor for West Bridgford West told us:
‘Wilford Field is enjoyed by the local community and must be protected from future development. The petition has attracted almost 700 signaures.
‘Daniel Atherton has done an excellent job in driving the petition which I shall be presenting to the Full Council meeting in March of Nottinghamshire County Council, who own the land.’
