Nature lovers fight to save woodland near Malvern from holiday lodges development

The Three Counties Agricultural Society has applied to build 50 lodges and a reception building in Langdale Wood, on the other side of Blackmore Park Road from the showground.

But Victoria Newman of Malvern Wells, who frequently walks in the woods, says it contains a rookery and a buzzards' breeding ground, and she has also seen woodpeckers and tree creepers there, while the pond on the site plays host to moorhens, coots and great crested newts.

She said: "I can't see how the erection of 50 holiday lodges, and the consequent disruption, together with the guests bringing their cars in and out of the woods, would not have a devastating effect on the inhabitants.

"As a resident of Malvern Wells for most of my life and supportive of the role of the agricultural society, I feel that this latest plan is a step too far.

"Anyone who cares about local green areas and wildlife conservation needs to be aware of this, and fight to keep what we still have."

On Malvern Hills District Council's planning website, Linda Scott of Hayslan Road, Malvern, said: "Langdale Wood is a beautiful quiet area. It has an abundance of wildlife, please do not let it be built on. Its tranquility is rare and although many people use it to walk their dogs, you can wander round and not see anyone. It seems any one small area of beauty is fair game but this isn't fair and it's certainly not a game."

And a representative of Mrs. J Luard of Staunton, owner of the neighbouring Blackmore Wood, contacted the council to say: "She feels that this is over development of the site and will almost certainly result in people trespassing onto her woodland. She is in the process of replanting and recreating the pond and does not wish to have people wandering around."

The agricultural society's chief executive Ken Nottage was not available for comment as the Gazette went to press.

The application has a target date for decision of Wednesday, March 22.