The market town of Newbury contains a small plot of land that is perfect for an urban community nature reserve. Disused and abandoned for twenty years, it's already half way there with saplings and secondary growth, and is a home for numerous birds. 

But West Berks council have plans to build yet more new housing on it. Under great pressure from the Government, it already has plans for over 1400 hew homes only a few hundred yards away on hundreds of acres of former farmland, and plans for thousands more across the district. And despite a petition signed by the site's neighbouring residents, and its commitment to its own Environment Strategy and declared climate emergency, it doesn't feel it can spare even this wee half-acre in Newtown Road from yet more construction.

Urban nature reserves, no matter how small, not only help our wildlife, but help to inspire local people to realise how they too can help make a difference by making small changes to their own gardens, yards, and balconies. In time, lots of people doing small things can amount to great changes for the better. Urban nature reserves are an opportunity for our school children, youth groups, the disabled, everyone to learn and experience the natural world on their doorstep. 

This one needs your help in order for it to stand a chance of happening.  

Please let the local council know that you care and want the creation of a nature reserve in Newtown Road, Newbury by emailing your support to Lead Councillor Jeff Brooks: jeff.brooks@westberks.gov.uk

This Newbury campaign is now part of the excellent national project that is: https://www.communitynaturereserve.org/