Okehampton deserves both homes and nature, not one at the expense of the other.

West Devon Borough Council are threatening a piece of locally-valued woodland in Okehampton with development. It’s our duty to protect this local community resource and haven for wildlife from significant damage.

​Tucked between Northfield Road and Wonnacotts Road lies something precious. Two acres of urban woodland that have quietly become a lifeline for our community and local wildlife.

​Hog's Wood (also known as Wonnacott’s Meadow) isn't just empty land. It's where hedgehogs hibernate, where bats feed, and where slow worms nest. It's where neighbours find peace after difficult days, where children discover nature on their doorstep, and where those living with chronic illnesses can access green space when the park is too far away.

Now, West Devon Borough Council plans to build approximately 30 homes here, reducing this thriving ecosystem by 40%. The impact that development has on wildlife can be catastrophic. It appears the council will not be able to achieve their legal obligation to 10% biodiversity net gain on-site without acquiring other sites.

​We understand Okehampton needs social housing. But surely we can find solutions that don't sacrifice one of our last urban wildlife havens.

​Recent meetings and surveys on Hog’s Wood show overwhelmingly positive feelings about this space. The majority of people talked of it as a habitat for nature. They cherish it as a natural, untouched green space in the town. Many echoed that its proximity to houses makes it a valuable asset for local residents and families, especially those who cannot walk far. People spoke about the rich biodiversity and wild space, which has grown up as nature has reclaimed it. Residents discussed the site as a green lung for the town and a valuable corridor for wildlife. Everyone raised protecting the site and wanting to mitigate the proposed development. 

​West Devon Borough Council have joined the Devon Local Nature Recovery Strategy, as well as having their own Climate Change and Biodiversity Action plan. Hogs Wood contributes to the Council's aims in a simple, positive way. The strategy and action plan clearly state they need to prioritise finding green space for local residents within close proximity of schools and community centres. Hog's Wood is within range of Okehampton Primary School, Okehampton College and the Ockment Centre, and could become a great asset to locals through its proximity. 

Hog’s Wood is valued for mental and physical health, for its wildlife, for the rare commodity it is: accessible nature in the heart of town.

This site faces significant risks for the developer and therefore for the local community: high flood risk – ground water management is a significant concern, and would increase construction costs. There would be damage to mature trees, ancient banks, local ecosystems, and wildlife corridors. It would also have an impact on recreation and the mental health of locals if the site changes usage, and the paucity of local amenities due to increased population density. Locals also rely on informal parking on site, and removal of this and the increased number of vehicles would increase pressure on an already poor situation.

Meanwhile there is an alternative: Hog's Wood could become something truly special; a site treasured by locals, a community asset, a model for how towns can grow while protecting the nature that sustains us. There are already major developments planned and ongoing within Okehampton, and the planned 30 homes for Hog’s Wood seem unjustified when weighing the benefits to locals against the damage to nature.

​Sign this petition to ask West Devon Borough Council to preserve Hog's Wood and explore alternative sites for housing that don't cost us our wildlife and wellbeing.