Archived decisions

REPORT OF THE

EXECUTIVE MEMBER FOR RECREATION, HERITAGE AND COMMUNITIES

PART II

THE CREATION OF LOCAL NATURE RESERVES

1. The Executive Member has approved a Policy on the Creation of Local Nature Reserves and supported the declaration of new Local Nature Reserves at: Netley Common, Westwood Woodland Park, Whiteley Coppices, Dundridge Meadows, Manor Farm, Sturt Pond and Bishops Waltham Branch line.

2. Local Nature Reserve (LNR) is a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by principal Local Authorities. LNRs are described by Natural England as for both people and wildlife. They are living green spaces in towns, cities, villages and countryside which are important to the community, and support a rich and vibrant variety of wildlife. These give easy local access, allowing informal contact with the natural environment. They also provide an opportunity for the community to become involved in the management of the local environment, for educational events and public open days.

3. Natural England recommend that LNRs should be; normally greater than 2ha (4.9 acres) in size and capable of being managed with the conservation of nature and/or the maintenance of special opportunities for study, research or enjoyment of nature as the priority concern. The LNRs should also be either; of high natural interest in the local context, of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local context for formal education or research, or of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local context for the informal enjoyment of nature by the public.

4. This report arises from consideration of the report by the Executive Member on 22 January 2009, which is on Hantsweb at: /decisions/decisions-docs/090122-exerec-R0116110841

M SNAITH

Executive Member for Recreation, Heritage and Communities