16/01/23 PRESS RELEASE: LOCAL WILDLIFE LAKE AT THREAT INSPIRES CHILDREN’S STORIES
Balderton Lake - a local wildlife jewel - which is threatened by watersports by YMCA Newark and Sherwood District, has inspired a book of stories and illustrations as well as artworks by award-winning wildlife artist and author.
The book, entitled Tales from Bunny Wood, published in 2018, by the well-known local artist and author, Vic Bearcroft, is a compilation of stories inspired by Balderton Lake's changing seasons, wildlife and charismatic personality.
With fond memories of walking his dogs around Balderton Lake over the years, the author has captured the magic, awe, love and respect for nature the lake gives to families, residents and visitors who spend time here. The book features tales of fairies, wildlife and other mythical creatures who live in the oasis.
At the beginning of the book, Balderton Lake is illustrated as ‘Bunny Wood’ - the similarity is uncanny and intended - and it includes the area of the lake called ‘Heron’s Nest’ which is up for grabs by the YMCA Newark and Sherwood to use for up to 18 kayaks per session.
The need to protect the biodiversity and mental health value of the lake is deeply expressed throughout the book and includes a direct reference in the forward:
“I hope that whoever reads these stories will realise how important areas like this are to the well-being of us all, and will try to do whatever they can to help preserve our rich diversity of flora and fauna. I, for one, don’t want to see the day when the real ‘Bunny Wood’ exists only as a memory in the pages of the book.”
Local residents and campaigners are already concerned about these proposals, which have resulted in several peaceful protests, community awareness events and two petitions totalling nearly 6,000 signatures calling on Balderton Parish Council to keep the lake boat-free.
There are growing concerns about the plan’s environmental impacts and how it will displace many rare birds that nest and breed on the lake, alongside the health and safety of users and the disruption to the lake's peace and tranquillity.
“In an increasingly noisy and overcrowded world, areas where nature can be heard as well as seen, are vital to mental well-being; this is a proven fact,” says the author. “Allowing boating on Balderton lake means adding more noise and further negating the benefits of our small but peaceful oasis, not only for residents but also for the wildlife.”
ENDS
NOTES TO EDITOR:
Images can be accessed via DropBox here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/kty4n3gzjtxoy3w/AAD-kuZsYt3G8cOOXgGhJBmGa?dl=0
For further details, please contact:
Emma Oldham (07939180489)
Tales from Bunny Wood is available online at WHSmith and Amazon.
Across a variety of recent surveys, photographs and years of local knowledge, the community has reported increased sightings of wildlife, with a total of 45 bird species and 15 mammal species now using the site* The complete list is available on demand. Balderton Lake is now recognised as a vital stepping stone for iconic species including swans, kingfishers, little egrets, herons, sparrowhawks, great crested grebes and otters.
Results have shown species numbers using the site have increased over recent years. Not only is this evident in local records captured by the community, but also when comparing YMCA’s new ecological report, with their first report in 2018. Their latest findings show the lake now supports 36 bird species (with 13 species meeting the criteria of at least one legislation), compared to 14 previously identified in their 2018 ecological report (four of which are protected) - a 157% increase in birdlife.
The YMCA report also identified new mammals using the lake. Evidence of otter spraints and feeding remains were noted, alongside two potential resting places on the island.
NSDC ranks 12th from the bottom out of 350 councils on environmental matters.
Newark only has 19.04 sqm of green provision per person - just above that of London at 18.96 sqm.
Exposure to green space benefits health by reducing mortality and morbidity from chronic diseases, improving mental health and pregnancy outcomes, and reducing obesity (EEA, 2020).
The World Health Organization recommends that all people reside within 300m of green space.
