Cycling along the pathways of this managed landscape I looked through the high fence at the work happening on the other side – 2 builders working on a construction – they tell me they are building a viewing platform – the yellow earthmover man was building an access road…
The major companies and developers in this area of L24 supported and funded the Coastal Reserve. Now they are building a road and platform to further enhance accessibility to this designated nature spot and create a civilized place from which to view the Coastal Reserve… cars and high-heeled shoes welcome.
But what of the land they plough through?
This is where the Brownfield debate becomes interesting.
An area of the disused airport that sides Bank’s Road is about to be developed. Over years of disuse, this land has reverted back to a natural grassland habitat. Left undisturbed it has become a breeding ground for skylarks. A local conservation officer has told me that it is also a breeding ground for Brown Hares. Amongst the flora, orchids can be found. Under different circumstances, this land could be accredited as a S.S.S.I, a site of special scientific interest, but as a Brownfield, owned by a major developer, this site has another value. 6 years of objections from conservationists has delayed, but not halted the inevitable land development. As I evaluated this site from the footpath looking through the spiked fencing, a couple walked past me, I overheard…
“when I was boy these were open playing fields…”