Stratford on Avon District Council (SDC) & Stratford Town Trust (STT) are promoting  the Stratford Riverside Project,  a tourism scheme which emerged in November 2020 has had a consultationand is now on its 3rd iteration but stil threatens to destroy important riverside  meadows and wildlife habitats , known as  the Fisherman’s Car Park /The Old Bathing Place/ The Lench Meadows LWS – located off the Warwick Rd. This represents a much loved and valued wildlife and recreational area for residents of Stratford upon Avon and visitors. Referred to as the " jewel in the crown " and the" green lungs" of Stratford.

The Warwickshire County Council & Warwickshire Wildlife Trust ( WWT) Ecological  Report Dec 2020 -refers to the site as "one of the most important wildlife sites close to Stratford ", with  a "mosaic of habitats which is unusual in the county, especially so near to a major town."  It was recommended that the area should be designated as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR), a valuable  protective status,  for its rich and valuable biodiversity , importance to migrating birds and wildlife corridors and recommended  a management plan to improve and enhance the meadows. Local authorities also have a duty of care, under the NERC Act 2006 Section 40,  to conserve biodiversity also with regard to the Land Drainage Act 1994.

The Stratford-upon-Avon Neighbourhood Plan, adopted 2018 with a mandate of 91.25 %  of voters in the District . The area has been identified as, the  River Avon Biodiversity Corridor, stressing  that proposals within the Flood Zone should not damage the river’s role as a biodiversity corridor, linkages between the river and other important biodiversity sites  ( e.g. Welcombe Hills LNR ) or increase flood risks. The project is contrary to Policy NE1 which promotes creation of Local Nature Reserves,  Policy NE2 and should be rejected as it threatens biodiversity and increases the likelihood of flooding.In addition it contravenes Policy CLW3 in relation to this Local Green Space  which would be lost for specific use by residents re-purposed for tourism purposes.

Flooding - it was  highlighted  that " both river meadows are potentially important for holding back flood water which could threaten the town centre, so are important elements in local plan climate change mitigation." This project poses a real threat in these respects. The earlier car park on the flood plain is sheer madness. The revised scheme is apparently involving consultation with the Environment Agency – whose input is eagerly awaited and should surely have been sought before preparation of the scheme.

These Wildlife Meadows provide a rich environment for flora and fauna :

• Flora -  survey in Dec 2020 found over 200 species of vascular flora including the nationally endangered Meadow Foxtail-Great Burnet MG4, and many tree species including  abundant willows and even the rare Black Poplar. Scrubland also contributes to carbon capture.
• Fauna -mammals and amphibians currently roam freely - Roe Deer, Muntjac Deer, Fox, Stoat ,Badgers Rabbit, Field Vole, Common  Shrew, Grey Squirrel, Water Voles and Otters . Otters are now seen regularly here & also  bred here in  2020. Invertebrates and  Insects thrive.
• Birds – supports a rich variety of rich in bird and wildfowl species – the most significant population of  Warblers in Stratford , 9 species. At least 3 species of birds on the Red List (the highest priority for  conservation) Cuckoo, Song Thrush and Grasshopper Warbler. One of the best sites for birds in Stratford  Green & Great Spotted Woodpeckers , Greenfinches, Goldfinches, Bullfinches, Chiffchaff, Blackcap, Reed Bunting, Treecreepers, Tits,Common & Lesser Whitethroat, Kingfishers, Ravens, Buzzard, Kestrel, Swans, Geese, Mallard, Herons and more, including migrating birds.

The Riverside Project – the SDC and STT propose this tourism development scheme to regenerate thetown centre and  tourist industry post pandemic.  A  £ 2.m scheme (grant of £1.5m of public money from CWLEP drives this project) to create an overblown Country Park, resembling a theme park ( the ill conceived concept alone cost £30,000 of public money ! ), which will effectively destroy this important strategic wildlife area and highly valued local recreational asset.  This, at a time of greater awareness and appreciation of the natural environment, the need to safeguard it for future generations, the threat of climate change and its role in nourishing our physical, mental health and wellbeing. .  In addition, the environmental impact of disturbing & building on a former landfill site and the prospect of extensive land remediation has not been addressed.

The Revised Scheme ( Dec 2020)  was little different to the original concept except for more references of  preserving biodiversity & flood management,  rather than actually demonstrating how this could be achieved with the “ feature-rich scheme . The Project involved extensive ground clearance to 192,000 square  metres  at a cost of £ 1.5 m with the accompanying destruction of wildlife habitats , loss of plant species , hedges, a diverse range of trees by age and species and more to create this vast array of excessive features :

• 500 car capacity parking on flood plain + room for expansion – North Field , subject to flooding.
• Arrival Point /Visitor Centre , Gallery,Cafe ,Reastaurant 
• Performance Area & Picnicking Areas
• Adventure Playground
• Nature Trails & Bird Hides
• Maze
• Wetland Nature Reserve
• Café Kiosk, Cafe & Restaurant
• Toilets & Changing Rooms                                 
• Bathing Area
• Riverside Beach
• Water Sport Decking & Fishing Areas 
• Water Taxis &  Quay
• Reading Room
• Wider Paths & Cycleways
• Cycle & Scooter Hire 
• Car Charging Points - on flood plain
• Viewing Tower
• Art Installations

With the noise and destruction caused during construction and the projected high volume of use to be encouraged over the whole site, these meadows and their rich habitats will never be able to recover.

Traffic - The scheme is promoted as a means of reducing traffic congestion in the Town,  which already has extensive parking including a Park & Ride site at Bishopton ( with  car charging points) which has never been properly promoted or managed and is barely used. The Bridgefoot Car Park  & Leisure Centre Car Park  ( slip road shown on plan ? ) are under used with the latter being  adjacent to this site, only 400 yds away, with a  500+ space capacity  - why  create  yet another car park for 500 cars, with all the habitat destruction involved,  on these meadows ? The existing Fisherman’s Car Park overflowed during Spring & Summer 2020 in exceptional circumstances when no parking charges applied . During most of the year the existing car park is more than sufficient to service the needs of residents and visitors. No data has been submitted to substantiate the "need" for additional parking spaces . 

Local Democracy -  Local Democracy is threatened  by the  Riverside Project, which we have been told  does not require planning permission and  is being hurried through during Lockdown when there is limited opportunity for discussion and many residents are shielding. The Consultation period ended  31st January  2021 - preliminary results released 28th February 2021 - 50% of respondents were  opoosed the the schems compared with 35% in favour. With regard to extension of the existing car park on the flood plain - 54% were opposed with only 24% being in favour. Comments are to be released later this month &  told they will inform the Revised Plan which will be published during May 2021. Part revealed Plan - 75 space car park on flood plain .Still no data has been supplied to support the need and numerous  vacant spaces are to be found 400yds away at the Leisure centre CP.. In addition there is spare capacity in the town with 2,800 spaces and 425 at the out of town Park & Ride which fails to functuion as intended. no disclosure of comments as yet . Planning application for scheme expected imminently - objections will need to be submitted speedily as the promoters are eager to progress the project as CWLEP monies must be spent by March 2022. 

Please Visit our Facebook page - Fisherman's Car Park/Wildlife River Walk - Stratford on Avon .    

CONTACT US direct  at  savethemeadows21@gmail.com    - share ideas,                                                    contacts, skills - creative and professional .                                                        All help very welcome .

Please view  the Riverside Project Proposal http://www.stratfordriverside.com/  consultation now closed but revelations continue to emerge concerning  this process. Watch this space.

Would you prefer for  :

1. The area to be preserved  by acquiring Local Nature Reserve status   (LNR)  with a sensitive Management Plan to improve habitats, in   accordance with WWT  recommendation.
2. The Meadows to remain  relatively  unchanged. 

Please  ACT NOW TO SAVE THESE MEADOWS - sign the Petition & share as widely as possible ,  we need to call our elected  representatives to account