Save Newcastle Wildlife Takes Action Against Controversial City Council Plans

Strategic Insights -

Save Newcastle Wildlife are taking a stand against Newcastle City Council's plans to build a walking and cycling route through the Havannah nature reserve. The proposed development poses a significant threat to the local wildlife, including deer, brown hare, and hedgehogs. This follows a similar controversy in Five Mile Park, where the great crested newt was disturbed during construction. The Newcastle Brownfield Register lists 107 sites suitable for residential development, yet the council is choosing to prioritize prime locations like the Great Park, which compromise green spaces and interfere with wildlife habitats.

Key Takeaways:

  • Save Newcastle Wildlife are opposing Newcastle City Council's plans to build a walking and cycling route through the Havannah nature reserve.
  • The proposed development poses a significant threat to local wildlife, including deer, brown hare, and hedgehogs.
  • A similar controversy occurred in Five Mile Park, where the great crested newt was disturbed during construction.
  • The Newcastle Brownfield Register lists 107 sites suitable for residential development, which could be used as an alternative to the Great Park.
  • The council's priorities for prime locations like the Great Park compromise green spaces and interfere with wildlife habitats.
  • Save Newcastle Wildlife is calling for the council to adopt a more wildlife-friendly approach to development.
  • The proposed development in the Havannah nature reserve is also likely to attract off-road motorbikes and compromise the area's natural beauty.

Statistics:

  • There are 107 sites listed on the Newcastle Brownfield Register that are suitable for residential development.
  • The Great Park is a prime location that will compromise green spaces and interfere with wildlife habitats.
  • The Havannah nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, brown hare, and hedgehogs.
  • The proposed walking and cycling route through the reserve is likely to cause significant disturbance to local wildlife.
  • A great crested newt, a protected species, was disturbed during construction in Five Mile Park.

Sources:

  • Save Newcastle Wildlife
  • Newcastle Brownfield Register
  • Five Mile Park construction controversy (no specific date mentioned)
  • Letter to the editor by Irene Davidson (no publication date mentioned)