Local MP Maria Miller is calling on Basingstoke residents to take part in Basingstoke Council’s consultation to designate Crabtree Plantation and Black Dam Ponds as Local Nature Reserves.
Maria said: “More than 2000 people supported my recent petition to designate Old Down a Local Nature Reserve, which shows the importance residents give to protecting our much-valued green space in Basingstoke.
“Basingstoke and Deane currently has nine Local Nature Reserves, and I support further additions to this list, including the Crabtree Plantation and Black Dam Ponds, which are now being consulted on by the Council.
“I would like to encourage as many residents as possible as possible to have their say in this consultation. The proposals would give the 2 sites the status needed to help to manage and enhance their features. Local Nature Reserve designations are important as they ensure the land is actively managed to care for the natural features that make the site special. Crabtree and Black Dam Ponds are especially important because of the chalk grassland, wetland and woodland habitats and their value to the local community.”
The consultation is now open and runs until until Monday 16 May 2022. Local residents will be contacted by letter and views can be given online at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/crabtree-black-dam-ponds-lnr-consult alternatively paper copies can be requested by calling 01256 844844.