Susie Nicodemi Uncategorized

TDNG Response to Lanham Lane Appeal

Planning Application Reference: 24/02737/OUT
Appeal Reference: APP/L1765/W/25/3367467

In July 2025, the Teg Down Nature Group submitted a formal response to the Planning Inspector in relation to the appeal concerning land west of Lanham Lane. While we had already submitted an objection earlier this year, this updated submission focuses on new evidence – particularly the implications of Hampshire’s draft Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS).

Our Concerns

We maintain our strong objection to the proposed development, which threatens an area of grassland and valuable habitat identified in the LNRS as important for restoring Hampshire’s biodiversity.

Our response is supported by the findings of a trained ecological consultant and draws on local plant surveys carried out by TDNG volunteers. These found over 50 species of grasses and wildflowers in the site’s south-west corner, demonstrating the area’s natural regeneration into species-rich calcareous grassland – a priority habitat in the LNRS.

Key Points from Our Submission

  • No adequate ecological survey has been provided by the Applicant. Their assessment lacks sufficient data on species present and ignores the likely effects of development on wildlife and habitats.
  • The south-west corner of the site is already rewilding. Plans to convert it into a play area and open space would damage this natural regeneration.
  • The site is close to Crab Wood SSSI and LNR, increasing the risk of ecological disruption.
  • The LNRS highlights the importance of preserving farmland and hedgerows. These are vital habitats that will face additional pressure from human activity if development proceeds.

We support the conclusion of Winchester City Council’s assessment that this proposal would result in the loss of priority habitat and would be harmful to protected species.

In Summary

The Teg Down Nature Group urges the Planning Inspector to reject this appeal. The proposed development conflicts with Hampshire’s own nature recovery goals and risks destroying a rare example of successful natural regeneration.

For more information or to get involved in our work, please contact us or join our mailing list.

Simon Eden
Chair, Teg Down Nature Group
simoneden@btinternet.com
16 July 2025

Susie Nicodemi Event, Old post

Making a home for Swifts

Soaring high above us, swifts are a real signature of summer in the UK. But their numbers have plummeted. In Hampshire the swift population has declined by more than 66% since 1994. They are on the UK’s red list of threatened species.

More about these unique birds

Last month members of TDNG heard a presentation from Catharine Gale of Hampshire Swifts, a voluntary group aiming to help reverse the decline in numbers. Catharine told us about the unique life of the Swift, spending all it’s time on the wing, only landing to lay eggs and raise young. Swifts are migratory, leaving the UK in late July or August to travel to wintering sites in central Africa, easily covering 500 miles or more in a day. The fastest recorded swift travelled at 69mph, and one tagged bird covered 5,000km in 5 days!

On their return to the UK in April or May they visit the nest sites they used in previous years. Mostly these are small cracks or holes in buildings which allow access to space under eaves, soffits and tiles. They do no damage as they rear their brood which is usually just a couple of chicks. The young fledge after 5-8 weeks, flying straight from the nest, and then not touching down again until breeding at around 4 years old.

There are several small swift colonies across Winchester, but numbers are under pressure because of a lack of breeding sites. This is often because buildings have been repaired or renovated, closing the crucial gaps that give access to nesting sites. To help Swifts find places to rear their young, Hampshire Swifts are fitting specially designed nest boxes to houses, as well as encouraging builders to install “swift bricks” which are hollowed to give nesting space in new homes.

What can you do to support?

Winchester City Council are fitting swift boxes and bricks to council houses as they are refurbished. We in Teg Down can do the same, indeed some have already installed swift boxes and the birds have taken up residence. Boxes cost £40 from Hampshire Swifts, who will also install them for you. Ideally, two or three boxes should be positioned side by side as the birds like neighbours. To
find out more and order a box go to www.hampshireswifts.co.uk or contact us at
deanlanetegdown@gmail.com.