History
The area consisted of fields up to the 1920’s when houses were built. As this development took place, the undeveloped part, which is now the Reserve, has remained an oasis for a wide range of flora and fauna in a busy urban neighbourhood.
The Reserve is divided by an ancient public right of way "The Green Lane". The Field lies to the south of the lane was formerly part of Imperial Sports field. This field has Village Green status and was purchased by the council from a private landowner to add to the new nature reserve. To the north of the lane lie the “Upper Slopes” which was formerly allotment land and is particularly rich in wildlife. Part of the Upper Slopes was sold by the Council for the development of a new hospital in 2003. The hospital developer provided funds as a condition of their planning approval to establish the site as a nature reserve which included the construction of new entrances, footpaths, fences, the dew pond, the undertaking of habitat management works and new native tree and shrub planting.
The entire site has been developed into a formal Nature Reserve following extensive consultation with local residents. It was established and designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2009.
The area consisted of fields up to the 1920’s when houses were built. As this development took place, the undeveloped part, which is now the Reserve, has remained an oasis for a wide range of flora and fauna in a busy urban neighbourhood.
The Reserve is divided by an ancient public right of way "The Green Lane". The Field lies to the south of the lane was formerly part of Imperial Sports field. This field has Village Green status and was purchased by the council from a private landowner to add to the new nature reserve. To the north of the lane lie the “Upper Slopes” which was formerly allotment land and is particularly rich in wildlife. Part of the Upper Slopes was sold by the Council for the development of a new hospital in 2003. The hospital developer provided funds as a condition of their planning approval to establish the site as a nature reserve which included the construction of new entrances, footpaths, fences, the dew pond, the undertaking of habitat management works and new native tree and shrub planting.
The entire site has been developed into a formal Nature Reserve following extensive consultation with local residents. It was established and designated a Local Nature Reserve in 2009.