Worry about the building of paths at nature reserve

Environmental advocates and local council representatives have raised alarms after reports that pets were injured and wildlife habitats disrupted during the construction of a new trail at a protected area.

Earlier this year, Newcastle City Council approved plans to create a pathway through Havannah Nature Reserve, linking the Great Park estate with Hazlerigg. However, concerns have emerged over the way the work has been carried out.

Save Newcastle Wildlife and Hazlerigg Parish Council reported that construction vehicles accessed the site via a private road without authorization, and discarded barbed wire allegedly caused injuries to pets. The city council confirmed that unauthorized road access has ceased and the barbed wire has been cleared.

The council emphasized that the pathway is intended to allow safe access to Great Park Academy for students. Despite assurances that the work would be completed by the start of the school year, the trail construction is still underway.

A spokesperson for Save Newcastle Wildlife stated, "The wildlife corridor is being continuously fragmented, leaving minimal connectivity for animals to move freely across the reserve."

Campaigners also expressed concern over lighting along the new path, warning that it could negatively affect moths and other insects inhabiting the area. In response, city council officials noted that environmental impacts were carefully evaluated during planning. The path will remain unfenced, and lighting has been designed to preserve long periods of darkness for wildlife.

Hazlerigg Parish Council highlighted additional issues, including disturbances caused to residents by construction traffic, blocked public rights of way, and general confusion for families walking children to school. They reiterated that hazardous materials, such as barbed wire, posed risks to pets and requested stricter oversight.

The council assured that unauthorized use of the private road had stopped and that the public right of way is temporarily closed to allow for necessary upgrades. They confirmed the removal of all dangerous debris and stressed that work is proceeding with consideration for local residents and wildlife.

Author: Benjamin Carter