Transform Isle of Wight Council land into Ryde Country Park
Transform Isle of Wight Council land into Ryde Country Park
Recent signers:
Patricia and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
In 2017, I campaigned for the Isle of Wight Council Rights of Way to restore a pathway from Great Preston Road to Rosemary Lane. This pathway has immense personal significance to me. What was once farmland along this route, known as the Nicholson Road Site, was initially designated for development into a business park with some housing. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, while serving as Mayor of Ryde, I successfully lobbied the Isle of Wight Council to allocate a portion of this land for community use, resulting in the opening of Rosemary Fields to residents. Walking through these fields every day with my dog, Benson, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact green spaces have on our community's well-being.
Now, we have an opportunity to create an even greater benefit for Ryde’s residents. By transforming the land owned by the Isle of Wight Council into Ryde Country Park and Recreation Ground, we can provide a much-needed sanctuary for our community. Green spaces are essential for our physical and mental health, offering opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. They also enhance the quality of life for all residents while preserving the natural beauty of our region.
This transformation is not only a chance to improve public health but also a strategic move to enhance Ryde's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. Well-maintained parks increase property values, reduce crime rates, and foster community pride.
However, this vision cannot be achieved without the support of the Isle of Wight Council and the broader community. By reallocating the Nicholson Road Site to serve as Ryde Country Park, the council would be making a lasting investment in the community’s well-being and the island’s ecological footprint.
Join me in urging the Isle of Wight Council to make this vital change. Your signature will demonstrate overwhelming support for sustainable development and underscore the importance of maintaining our precious green spaces for future generations.
Sign this petition to help turn this vision into a reality for Ryde.
Now, we have an opportunity to create an even greater benefit for Ryde’s residents. By transforming the land owned by the Isle of Wight Council into Ryde Country Park and Recreation Ground, we can provide a much-needed sanctuary for our community. Green spaces are essential for our physical and mental health, offering opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. They also enhance the quality of life for all residents while preserving the natural beauty of our region.
This transformation is not only a chance to improve public health but also a strategic move to enhance Ryde's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. Well-maintained parks increase property values, reduce crime rates, and foster community pride.
However, this vision cannot be achieved without the support of the Isle of Wight Council and the broader community. By reallocating the Nicholson Road Site to serve as Ryde Country Park, the council would be making a lasting investment in the community’s well-being and the island’s ecological footprint.
Join me in urging the Isle of Wight Council to make this vital change. Your signature will demonstrate overwhelming support for sustainable development and underscore the importance of maintaining our precious green spaces for future generations.
Sign this petition to help turn this vision into a reality for Ryde.
Michael LilleyPetition Starter
32
Recent signers:
Patricia and 19 others have signed recently.
The Issue
In 2017, I campaigned for the Isle of Wight Council Rights of Way to restore a pathway from Great Preston Road to Rosemary Lane. This pathway has immense personal significance to me. What was once farmland along this route, known as the Nicholson Road Site, was initially designated for development into a business park with some housing. However, during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, while serving as Mayor of Ryde, I successfully lobbied the Isle of Wight Council to allocate a portion of this land for community use, resulting in the opening of Rosemary Fields to residents. Walking through these fields every day with my dog, Benson, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact green spaces have on our community's well-being.
Now, we have an opportunity to create an even greater benefit for Ryde’s residents. By transforming the land owned by the Isle of Wight Council into Ryde Country Park and Recreation Ground, we can provide a much-needed sanctuary for our community. Green spaces are essential for our physical and mental health, offering opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. They also enhance the quality of life for all residents while preserving the natural beauty of our region.
This transformation is not only a chance to improve public health but also a strategic move to enhance Ryde's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. Well-maintained parks increase property values, reduce crime rates, and foster community pride.
However, this vision cannot be achieved without the support of the Isle of Wight Council and the broader community. By reallocating the Nicholson Road Site to serve as Ryde Country Park, the council would be making a lasting investment in the community’s well-being and the island’s ecological footprint.
Join me in urging the Isle of Wight Council to make this vital change. Your signature will demonstrate overwhelming support for sustainable development and underscore the importance of maintaining our precious green spaces for future generations.
Sign this petition to help turn this vision into a reality for Ryde.
Now, we have an opportunity to create an even greater benefit for Ryde’s residents. By transforming the land owned by the Isle of Wight Council into Ryde Country Park and Recreation Ground, we can provide a much-needed sanctuary for our community. Green spaces are essential for our physical and mental health, offering opportunities for exercise, relaxation, and connection with nature. They also enhance the quality of life for all residents while preserving the natural beauty of our region.
This transformation is not only a chance to improve public health but also a strategic move to enhance Ryde's attractiveness as a place to live and visit. Well-maintained parks increase property values, reduce crime rates, and foster community pride.
However, this vision cannot be achieved without the support of the Isle of Wight Council and the broader community. By reallocating the Nicholson Road Site to serve as Ryde Country Park, the council would be making a lasting investment in the community’s well-being and the island’s ecological footprint.
Join me in urging the Isle of Wight Council to make this vital change. Your signature will demonstrate overwhelming support for sustainable development and underscore the importance of maintaining our precious green spaces for future generations.
Sign this petition to help turn this vision into a reality for Ryde.
Michael LilleyPetition Starter
Support now
32
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 22 April 2026