A campaign has been launched by The Natural History Society of Northumbria to save Gosforth Nature Reserve from a planned housing development.
Gosforth Nature Reserve and its Special Site of Scientific Interest represent one most diverse and important wild spaces left in all of Tyneside.
With its woodland, lake and extensive reed beds, the reserve is a much-loved green space in the city.
Read more: 150 water voles released in Northumberland as project hailed a success
Persimmon Homes have applied to build 133 homes opposite Gosforth Nature Reserve which campaigners say could disturb legally protected species of wildlife.
Should this development go ahead, campaigners say wildlife will suffer through an increase in trespass, vandalism, disturbance, light pollution, and predation by domestic pets.
A similar bid to build 217 homes was made by Persimmon Homes several years ago which fell through.
Campaigners are now hoping this second bid will also fail.
Clare Freeman, director of the Natural History Society of Northumbria said:
'Managed by passionate local volunteers since 1929, the North East’s oldest nature reserve is much more than just a haven for wildlife, but for people too. Visited by thousands each year, from school children to community groups, it stands as a place of learning, respite, and enjoyment for people across Tyneside and beyond.
We would urge everyone to join thousands of local people and object to the proposed development today. Not only to protect wildlife, but to ensure that this precious local resource remains safe for future generations to enjoy.'
A Persimmon Homes spokesperson told us:
“The land is identified in the local plan as suitable for development and we continue to work with the planning authority to meet any conditions.”
The Northumberland Wildlife Trust have also submitted a formal objection against the plans.
To find out more about the campaign, you can visit their website here.
