Work is now underway to make Old Down in Basingstoke the borough’s newest local nature reserve.

The process was kick-started last night (Tuesday 10 March) when Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet agreed to put land at Old Down at the top of its priority list for this status.

The decision follows a pledge in December by the council’s Cabinet to move towards securing this environmental protection for this much-loved green space.

Old Down, in southern Basingstoke, is already designated as a site of importance for nature conservation. The council’s rangers and grounds maintenance teams work with the Old Down Wildlife Group and Natural Basingstoke to manage its wildflower meadows, trees and thicket to encourage biodiversity. 

Declaring land at Old Down as a local nature reserve would further protect it for habitat restoration and biodiversity while seeing it managed in a way that would encourage local communities to enjoy the area and learn about its wildlife.

People would still be able to use Old Down for everyday activities, including dog walking, running and cycling.

The process to declare land as a local nature reserve usually takes about 18 months. It involves consulting with Natural England and nearby residents and groups to gather their views before a decision is made whether to give an area this status.

Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin said: “Starting this work is a positive step towards giving Old Down the additional long-term protection it deserves in a way that benefits local people and our wildlife.

“As it follows soon after our decision last month to make Little Pen Wood, in the Highclere area, a local nature reserve, it highlights our commitment to work quickly to safeguard more of the borough’s important natural habitats now and for the future.”

Protecting and enhancing the natural environment is a priority for the council, supporting its 2021 ecological emergency pledge and?the?biodiversity strategy it adopted?two years ago.?

There’s more information about Basingstoke and Deane’s 11 local nature reserves at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/local-nature-reserves ???