The area surrounding Eastlands Lane in Cowfold holds a special place in the hearts of local residents and walkers alike. It is a vital part of our community, not only for its beauty and serenity but for its crucial role in supporting biodiversity and the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

In this treasured area, red kites and buzzards find their home in the sky, and woodpeckers are frequent visitors, bringing life and vibrancy to the woodland. Part of this enchanting site includes a stretch of woodland that is recognised as Priority Habitat on Magic Maps. Deer and hedgehogs are regularly seen there, a pair of sparrowhawks nest in the canopy, and many species of endangered birds can be heard during the summer months.

This isn’t just any woodland—it has historical significance, being featured in the 1875 Ordnance Survey maps, and it’s nearing the stage of ancient woodland. This means that with each passing year, the richness and rarity of its ecosystem add immense value to our natural heritage. Yet, this invaluable asset is now under threat from a proposed development that risks not only the landscape but the very biodiversity that thrives here.

The proposed development would also include widening Eastlands Lane 

Among the trees that grace Eastlands Lane, several are of great importance, including a remarkable veteran tree, which stands as a living monument to our natural history. These trees, much like the bats and other wildlife they support, are irreplaceable and priceless. 

Allowing development in this area would have devastating consequences not only for our environment but for the community as a whole. The loss of habitat for numerous species and the disruption of the existing ecosystem will have a long-lasting impact that cannot be reversed. It would mean erasing a part of our collective history and natural legacy.

Local authorities and planning bodies need to hear our voices loud and clear. By signing this petition, you can help us call for the protection of Eastlands Lane and its surrounding natural treasures. Let’s stand together to ensure that this area remains a sanctuary for wildlife and a place of solitude and beauty for generations to come.

Please sign this petition to halt the proposed development on Eastlands Lane and protect our invaluable natural environment.