Campaigners secure £10,000 to oppose housing development plans

Opponents of a proposed housing development on a site recognized as a wildlife haven have indicated that their years of advocacy are “starting to see the fruits” of their efforts. The group, Friends of Middlewick, successfully secured £10,000 within one week. This funding is intended to cover potential legal expenses if proposals to construct 1,000 residences on Colchester’s Middlewick Ranges proceed. This fundraising initiative was a collaborative effort with multiple wildlife and conservation organizations, such as Buglife and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Colchester City Council stated it is “undertaking a comprehensive review” of its local plan, from which campaigners are advocating for the removal of the proposed development. For eight years, campaigners have organized demonstrations, advocating for the transformation of the site into a nature reserve. Richard Martin, representing the Friends of Middlewick group, commented: “I live basically on its doorstep and have walked there for the last 30 years.” He added: “Middlewick is one of the last big, wildlife spaces in Colchester that has been allowed to do its own thing and create such a wonderful ecology.” Martin further stated: “It would be a big loss for the people of Colchester, those who live near it and for the UK were it to be taken away.” Mr. Martin noted that the funds collected thus far had “exceeded all expectations” and urged councillors to exclude the development from the local plan. He warned: “If they don’t take it out, we have no choice but to go down the legal route and this money gives us a good start and a fighting chance.” Martin concluded by saying: “We are starting to see the fruits of eight years of campaigning.” Colchester City Council confirmed that the ongoing ecological survey of Middlewick Ranges is undergoing careful consideration, and “the latest evidence” will be integrated into the decision-making process.