CAMPAIGNERS are to host a ‘guided nature walk’ of the local wildlife that is ‘under threat’ from the proposed development of the Maidenhead golf course.
Families and residents are invited to learn more about the dozens of protected species and 10,000 mature trees that inhabit the 132-acre green space that could soon be turned into over 2,000 homes.
Ecologist Martin Woolner and other local wildlife enthusiasts will be hosting a small walk across the golf course on Friday, September 2, from 5pm to 6pm.
The golf course is part of the adopted borough local plan (BLP), which earmarks multiple sites for thousands of new homes to meet the Royal Borough’s future population and economic growth until 2033.
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A planning application is yet to come forward, but it is earmarked for over 2,000 homes, 30 percent of which are affordable, a school, medical center, and public open space.
Environmental campaigners say the development threatens the habitats of multiple species such as deer, foxes, grass snakes, hedgehogs, bats, slow worms, sparrowhawks, owls, red kites, and multiple species of insects.
Last month, a judge threw out Maidenhead Great Park’s legal challenge to block the BLP due to their solicitor not serving a document in time. But campaigners vowed to fight on to overturn the plan.
Maidenhead Great Park protesters have been campaigning against the development of the golf course
The council said the adopted BLP was found sound by an independent planning inspectorate after a rigorous examination period and consultations.
It is also working on a supplementary planning document for the South West Maidenhead site that will help guide developers to make the sites, including the golf course, sustainable and increase biodiversity both on and off the site.
Tina Quadrino, chairwoman of the Maidenhead Great Park, said: “Because for most people, the golf course is only accessible via a public footpath, many local people have never visited this beautiful area of woods and green space. We hope lots of local families will take the chance to join our Guided Nature Walk to find out more about the wildlife that depends on this space.
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She added: “If the golf course development goes ahead, not only will we lose the opportunity to better protect people and wildlife in our town, we will also lose the last of Maidenhead’s woodlands which have been quietly helping reduce pollution, temperatures and the depletion of biodiversity in our town for decades.”
People can access the golf course footpath from Shoppenhanger’s Road next to Frederick’s Hotel, or via the end of Clifton Close. The event is free, and no booking is required.