Wildlife trust reveals plans to buy land near bog at centre of new homes row

YORKSHIRE Wildlife Trust has long-term aspirations to buy land north of Askham Bog, it has revealed.

The trust made the revelation as part of its objection to controversial plans to build up to 516 homes at Moor Lane, near York.

Barwood Land says that under its plans, the fields to the north of the bog would become an “ecological buffer” between the reserve and the homes.

But the trust disagrees, saying in it’s objection letter that the development poses a serious risk to the “irreplaceable” bog.

Nearly 7,000 people have lodged objections to the planning application according to the trust, including Historic England, York Outer MP Julian Sturdy and ward councillors.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, which runs the reserve, says: “It has been the long-held view of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust that a secure future for Askham Bog requires an expansion of the reserve into the wider catchment.”

The trust says the site is “irreplaceable” and probably the most biodiverse in Yorkshire.

Mr Sturdy said: “This application could potentially deprive York of one of its most treasured nature reserves.”

Historic England has also lodged an objection.