Southwick Country Park has been formally declared a Local Nature Reserve and will now be known as Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve.
The designation means that the country park has been recognised for local importance to wildlife and education. The Rights of Way & Countryside Team at Wiltshire Council, along with the Friends of Southwick Country Park volunteer group, have worked together over many years to achieve this.
The nature reserve covers 150 acres of former farm land and is home to Hope Nature Centre and cafe.
Hope Nature Centre’s commercial manager, David Gillingham said, “We are extremely proud to be based at the Southwick Country Park and delighted for the team at Wiltshire Council and the volunteers who invest so much time and energy into the site.
“This is well deserved recognition for their hard work, and the new nature reserve status can only be a benefit to the community for many years to come.
Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, cllr Bridget Wayman said, “This is great news for Southwick Country Park and a valuable step in raising public awareness and reinforcing the importance of the area for nature conservation.
“We know the new Local Nature Reserve area contains a number of varied habitats, rich in many species of flora and fauna, and we hope this status will help conserve and enhance wildlife, biodiversity and the landscape of the country park. While we’re in lockdown, it’s important to remember that people should visit Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve on their daily exercise only if it is in their local area. Once lockdown is over, we hope more people will be able to enjoy the reserve and its wonderful wildlife.”
People can view the public notice on the Wiltshire Council website: www.wiltshire.gov.uk/recreation-find-open-spaces
More information about Southwick Country Park Nature Reserve can be viewed on the Friends of Southwick Country Park website: https://southwickcountrypark.com/
