Frampton Cotterell to host Nature Reserve in victory for Lib Dems and Frampton Cotterell Nature Group

South Glos Council has proposed converting the council owned land at Frampton End Farm into a Nature Reserve to support the delivery of the council’s Climate Emergency Declaration.

The proposal is to use the land to promote nature recovery, biodiversity gain, floodplain reconnection and to create a River Reserve.

Frampton Cotterell Lib Dem councillors Claire Young, Tristan Clark and Jon Lean have been supporting a campaign based on ideas by the Frampton Cotterell Nature Group to see the land preserved for nature. They are delighted that the council has listened and made its intention for the land clear.

Claire Young, also the leader of the Lib Dem group on South Glos Council said,

“Many residents were horrified when Tory run South Glos put forward Frampton End Farm as a site suitable for development in the 2020 call for sites. From the start, we told council officials how important this site is to local people. We said this land should be preserved for wildlife, not built on – and we have kept pressure on the council since then by reiterating this message and supporting Frampton Cotterell Nature Group’s ideas for the land.”

Tristan Clark added,

“We thank the Frampton Cotterell Nature Group and want to make sure that the council works with them and other local people as they draw up the plans. Residents are happy at the prospect of this land being protected at a time when so much of our valuable countryside is under threat from inappropriate development.”

The council has said the Nature Reserve will be created over the next few years following input from a range of interested parties including local residents.

Jon Lean said,

“I’m pleased that the council has agreed to protect this widely used land for biodiversity gain and for residents. This is a very important announcement for our area, but we mustn’t stop here. Our next task is to set up a meeting between Frampton Cotterell Nature Group and council officials so the Nature Group can present their ideas in more detail. We must ensure a plan emerges that will allow wildlife to flourish within a unique and accessible area that can be enjoyed by all residents.”