Common land belongs to all

I AM writing to express my strong objection to the deregistration of the area of Clyne Common at Chestnut Avenue and proposal to build housing on the land.

West Cross Common is a precious lowland heathland and a site of importance for nature conservation. It is edged by ancient woodland and is a precious habitat for diverse wildlife.

During this time of lockdown more than ever, many of us in the local community have come to recognise and value the importance of public open spaces for our mental and physical wellbeing. This is a precious community resource which, once lost, can never be replaced.

Proposals to provide replacement land for local residents are insufficient as this does not address the unique and valuable habitat this area provides.

Lowland heath is a very valuable habitat in the British Isles as it supports many scarce and locally important species of flora and fauna. It can be considered one of the UK’S most threatened habitats, with huge losses nationally during the 20th century and the early part of this century to forestry, mineral extraction and built development.

Furthermore, it is a precious community resource, used frequently by walkers, joggers, cyclists and families for informal recreation.

The proposal to deregis

ter this land, if approved, would set a dangerous precedent for taking away common land rights which have belonged to our community for hundreds of years.

This is a unique wildlife habitat and a piece of historic common land that has always belonged to the people and should continue to do so.

REBECCA LOWE

Uplands, Swansea