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Title: Battlemead wildlife is under threat again Post by: Cookham Webmaster on July 21, 2021, 11:49:21 AM We need your help by 27 July. There is a threat to the protected wildlife area at Battlemead. Battlemead is the site owned by the Council, between the Lower Cookham Road and the Thames.
At a meeting on 3 August, a decision may be taken to open access across the East Field at Battlemead, which is currently closed. You can see the approximate route of the proposed public path below. It would go straight through the unique wetlands habitat in the East Field. You can also watch this video on YouTube. This decision is too soon. We are not against opening up the East Field for more access but only once further habitat development has taken place to support wildlife, which may take a further 5-10 years. At this stage, the closed wildlife area at Battlemead should stay closed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKJnKwJ2b3M Please help us! 1. Sign our petition now Sign our petition to the Council now: https://petitions.rbwm.gov.uk/save-battlemead. There are two steps - completing the form and then finding their response email and clicking the link. The second step is essential, otherwise you won't have signed the petition. 2. Email your councillors Email your councillors to say that you want to keep the closed area at Battlemead closed. It’s their job to listen to you and your concerns about Battlemead. How to email your councillors Find your councillors’ names: put your postcode in here https://www.writetothem.com/ Find their email addresses here: www.wildcookham.org.uk/protectbattlemead Send the email below (ideally edited to include your own words) to your councillors by Tuesday 27 July Dear [Councillor’s name]. I am writing to express my concern about a proposal being put forward on 3 August 2021 to open a path through the special wetland habitat area at Battlemead. I do not support this proposal. At this stage, I want the closed wildlife area at Battlemead to stay closed all year round to continue to protect this designated Priority Habitat, and the wildlife which uses it, from the impact of people and dogs. A decision now to lift the protection of this area is too soon. I am not against the opening up the East Field for more access but any decision should wait until further habitat development has taken place to support wildlife, which may take a further 5-10 years. The Council have declared an environment emergency and aim to protect and enhance the natural environment. Protecting the natural environment at Battlemead is a clear way of honouring and fulfilling that declaration. If not at Battlemead, then where? In your role as my councillor representing my interests, please do not support the opening of a path across the Battlemead wetlands. Thank you. Yours sincerely, [full name] [full address including postcode] [telephone number – optional] 3. Follow Wild Maidenhead on Twitter and Facebook Twitter: https://twitter.com/WildMaidenhead or search Twitter for @wildmaidenhead Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wildcookham ++++++++++++++++ Thank you. The WildCookham team Title: Re: Battlemead wildlife is under threat again Post by: Cookham Webmaster on July 26, 2021, 01:25:05 AM Just heard that eminent naturalist and broadcaster Richard Fortey (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Fortey) is supporting our campaign to protect Battlemead, picking up on the earlier statement by George McGavin. Petition signatures are now close to 500 - a real sign of the support - but we're looking for more so please sign now at https://petitions.rbwm.gov.uk/save-battlemead/. And encourage family members and friends to sign.
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