Environmental activists ‘joined hands’ to save land at Lowfield Lane, Balderton

Dozens of concerned residents and environmental activists ‘joined hands’ to save wildlife space from a development of over 150 homes.

On Saturday (September 28), the campaigning group — Only Wildlife On Lowfield, welcomed members of the community to take part in a peaceful protest against the development more than 130 homes on an area of grassland and meadow on Lowfield Lane, just off London Road in Balderton.

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 and the 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.

After holding a session for people to write messages on hand-shaped cards, with their reasons for wanting to save wildlife space, campaigners were invited to bring more cut-out hands of reasons to the event on Saturday.

Messages outlining the area’s importance ranged from pleas to protect the area as a haven for bats, birds, and butterflies, to runners, walkers, and dog lovers who see the tranquillity of the space as important for their wellbeing.

The hand-shaped cards created a thread of hands, which were displayed along the site’s perimeter.

One of the event’s highlights saw Andy Hollis, an environmental trainer and conservationist who has lived and worked in Sherwood for over 40 years, join efforts with Daren Riley, of Balderton.

Each brought a stylised hand that fitted together to form the image of a butterfly to represent

the wildlife of the site and the coming together of people from Newark and Sherwood.

Andy said: “I was delighted to support the event.

“Lowland Meadow sites such as this are so important that it goes beyond just a Newark or Balderton issue.

“This type of grassland has largely disappeared in recent years and the Ecological Impact Assessment for this area shows much of the site is of at least county significance and even regional significance.

“Given the sheer amount of existing development and the fact that this land is of such ecological importance. It is unbelievable that development is being allowed on the site.

“In particular when the UK and the rest of the world is facing a biodiversity crisis.

“It would be a travesty if this land were to be developed.”

Julie Stapley, 54, who was also at the event said: “The event was a great success, the love for Lowfield was very much on display.

“It really makes you wonder why the council would want to build over it and who they think they are representing.

“I have lived in Balderton all my life, and the sheer scale of development in recent years has been crazy.

“They should leave Lowfield alone. It’s our last surviving country lane.”

Campaigners said they will continue to campaign by delivering their messages to the council ahead of any planning decision.

Previously, a petition to Save Lowfield Lane reached over 2,000 signatures and a debate on the issue will be held at a Newark and Sherwood District Council meeting at a later date.