We’re calling on Balderton Parish Council to protect our precious wildlife jewel – Balderton Lake – by rejecting plans to allow recreational uses and building on the lake by YMCA.
Whilst we welcome the YMCA activity village and support new opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities, this should not be done to the detriment of our beloved wildlife. The suggested operating area for kayaking activity will encroach on a key part of the lake's breeding habitat for mammals and birds. Suggested group sizes of 16 kayaks/canoes and 2 staff will result in great distrubance to wildlife using this crucial site.
With Newark and surrounding areas already home to existing sites that are purpose-built and provide water sports and experiences, Balderton residents feel it is far more proactive to help YMCA join links with these, instead of impacting on a key Local Wildlife Site. There are much better environmentally-friendly ways for YMCA to connect people to the site via geocaching, nature trails, bird spotting and wildlife photography. We have already commenced talks with the YMCA to reconsider the environmental impact of their plans and ways to work together to protect both the lake and give exciting opportunities to YMCA.
Balderton lake is home to diverse and much-loved British wildlife including dazzling kingfishers, elegant egrets, gorgeous greenfinch and a wealth of waterfowl. Like a scene out of Wind in the Willows, it has become a substantially important breeding and feeding site for birds, grass snakes and bats. No wonder Balderton Parish Council purchased this site as a gift for residents of Balderton.
Balderton Lake is also a lifeline for hundreds of locals, who regularly use this tranquil site for mental health and exercise.
Why is this important?
There are very few places left in Newark where wildlife can be experienced in such abundance, making the lake an intimate and life-changing place for adults and children who visit.
Our birdlife is in serious decline too.
- Populations of UK native birds are 11% lower than they were in 1970.
- Balderton Lake is an important site for Kingfishers. These small unmistakable bright blue and orange birds fish from riverside perches. They are listed as a Schedule 1 species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act, meaning no activity which could disturb them between March-August is allowed.
- Due to populations severely declining in Britain or because they are considered under threat of global extinction, the red list of Britain’s most endangered birds has recently increased to 70 species.
- Iconic birds to Balderton Lake including swift, housemartins, starling, mistle thrush, house and tree sparrows are on the 'Birds of Conservation Concern' red list.
- Birds on the amber list including greylag goose, mallard, woodpigeon, sparrowhawk, wren and song thrush have all been recorded feeding, nesting, residing on and visiting Balderton Lake.
Further concerns we have on YMCA using the lake for leisure activities
- Habitat will be destroyed and removed to provide the infrastructure and access to the water at peg 16, including storage facilities.
- To access peg 16, people will have to carry boats across a busy Sustrans cycle route – posing a significant hazard to users and cyclists.
- Water sports will have a detrimental effect on the habitat and wildlife using the site.
- Water sports will create noise pollution and water disturbance to residents and visitors of the current tranquil site.
- The quality of the water is not safe enough for canoeists due to high levels of excretion from the waterfowl, fish and small mammals that live in and on the banks of the lake.
Please sign our petition calling on Balderton Parish Council to save our important wildlife legacy, for both the wonderful species that depend on this habitat and residents and visitors who value this tranquil site at the heart of Newark.
This petition is supported by residents of Balderton (Save our Wildlife and Nature – SWAN).
As well as signing this petition we also encourage you to write your concerns to Balderton Parish Council.
How it will be delivered
We will deliver all of your signatures in person directly to Balderton Parish Council.
Image thanks to David Martin
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