Little Pen Wood, in Highclere, was given the status of a Local Nature Reserve (LNR) on Tuesday, February 10, by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet.
The decision recognises the wood’s environmental importance and its value to the local community.
Councillor Chris Tomblin, cabinet member for climate and ecological emergency, said: “Little Pen Wood is a cherished space for local people and wildlife, and I am proud that we have been able to give it the protection it deserves.
Volunteers in the woodland (Image: Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council)
“The natural environment is a priority for this council and declaring local nature reserves is one of the ways we are actively working, together with communities and partners, to help protect wildlife and preserve the environment now and for the future.”
The woodland is now the 11th LNR in the borough, to help protect land for habitat restoration and biodiversity.
LNRs remain open for everyday activities such as dog walking, running, and cycling.
Declaring an area as a local nature reserve usually takes around 18 months and for Little Pen Wood, the process included a public consultation in spring last year.
Residents, environmental groups, and Highclere Parish Council supported the council’s plans.
The plan for how it is managed was agreed with Natural England.
People living near Little Pen Wood are now being encouraged to join a new conservation group that is working with the council’s rangers and Natural Basingstoke to care for the area.
Councillor Tomblin said: “The natural environment is a priority for this council and declaring local nature reserves is one of the ways we are actively working, together with communities and partners, to help protect wildlife and preserve the environment now and for the future.”
Protecting and preserving the borough’s natural landscapes forms a key part of the council’s biodiversity strategy and its ecological emergency pledge made in 2021.
The strategy, adopted two years ago, sets out actions to improve habitat connectivity, restore natural processes, and involve communities in conservation.
The council is already taking steps to declare more sites, based on a priority list. It is also looking to add land at Old Down in southern Basingstoke to that list, following a pledge in December by the council’s Cabinet to start the process to declare it a local nature reserve.
More information about Little Pen Wood LNR is available on the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/Little-Pen-Wood-LNR.
Individuals interested in volunteering at Little Pen Wood or with other conservation groups in the borough can email WildlifeConservation@basingstoke.gov.uk.