Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council looking to grant Little Penwood local nature reserve status

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is asking people for their views on its plans to designate Little Penwood as a local nature reserve.

If the woodland - located just south of Penwood - was granted local nature reserve status, the council would encourage educational and conservation projects to take place within it.

It takes around 18 months to declare a site a local nature reserve and Little Penwood is being considered because of its semi-natural ancient woodland with special wildlife and wetland habitats and its importance to the local community.

Chris Tomblin (Ind, Bramley), cabinet member for climate and ecological emergency, said: “As a borough we have declared an ecological emergency, ensuring the natural environment is a priority for us as a council, and we are working hard with our communities to protect areas for habitat restoration and biodiversity gain.

“We already have 10 local nature reserves and have been exploring sites in the borough from an approved prioritised list to expand on this.

“We have identified Little Penwood as a potential site and are now seeking the views of our residents and local interest groups on whether this should be taken forward as a new site of special interest.”

Working with Natural England, the borough council is asking local people and interest groups for their views on the plan as part of a consultation which will run until midnight on February 28.

The consultation can be viewed at https://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/Little-Pen-Wood-LNR

If Little Penwood is declared a local nature reserve people will still be able to use the site as normal for activities such as dog walking, running and cycling.

The council’s ranger services team is also looking for people interested in forming a Little Penwood conservation group, with a first work party planned for September.

People interested in getting involved can email wildlifeconservation@basingstoke.gov.uk