The process of declaring Old Down in Basingstoke as a local nature reserve is set to start in the new year, Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet has announced.

At a meeting of the Council last night (Thursday 18 December), Cllr Laura James announced the intention to start consultations with the relevant national bodies, in a process set out by Natural England, to look to give land at Old Down the extra protection of being declared a local nature reserve.

Towards the southern edge of Basingstoke, the much-loved green space at Old Down has extensive areas of wildflower meadows, trees, thicket and chalk grassland, as well as footpaths and a play area. 

It is already designated as a site of importance for nature conservation. Old Down benefits from the considerable support of a local group of conservation volunteers, working alongside the council’s rangers and grounds maintenance teams to carry out habitat management to encourage biodiversity.

Cllr Laura James, answering a question on Old Down at the meeting on behalf of Cabinet Member for Climate and Ecological Emergency Cllr Chris Tomblin, said: “I am really pleased to announce tonight that it is our intention to radically improve the protections afforded to Old Down.

“We will consult and look to bring forward a decision to declare Old Down as a local nature reserve. We are already consulting on designating Old Down a local green space in the Local Plan.

“This will give Old Down important protections. I know that this has been called for over many years.”

The question at the meeting, from a member of the public, related to exploring whether Old Down could be given Green Flag status. Cllr James said Cabinet members would be very happy to meet with the person raising the question to also explore if the Green Flag recognition of the importance of the site could also be possible.