Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has announced plans to begin the process of declaring Old Down as a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) in the new year, following a meeting on Thursday, December 18.
Councillor Laura James made the announcement during the meeting, stating that the council intends to begin consultations with the relevant national bodies as part of the process outlined by Natural England to grant the land LNR status.
Cllr James, speaking on behalf of the cabinet member for climate and ecological emergency, Cllr Chris Tomblin, said: “I am really pleased to announce tonight that it is our intention to radically improve the protections afforded to Old Down.
“We will consult and look to bring forward a decision to declare Old Down as a local nature reserve.
“We are already consulting on designating Old Down a local green space in the Local Plan.
“This will give Old Down important protections. I know that this has been called for over many years.”
Towards the southern edge of Basingstoke, Old Down is already designated as a site of importance for nature conservation and features a play area, footpaths, wildflower meadows, and chalk grassland.
Old Down in Basingstoke (Image: Google Maps)
The site is supported by a dedicated group of conservation volunteers, who work alongside council rangers and grounds maintenance teams to manage habitat and enhance biodiversity.
The announcement was made in response to a question from a member of the public about whether Old Down could be awarded Green Flag status.
Cllr James said Cabinet members would be very happy to meet with the person raising the question to also explore if the Green Flag recognition of the importance of the site could also be possible.
The council has stated that the consultation process with the relevant national bodies will commence in the new year, as outlined by Natural England.