A CAMPAIGN to rescue a unique woodland outside Great Malvern from becoming ‘just another holiday park’ has been launched.
Sharon Taylor, of Meadow Road, Malvern Link, set up the community action group Save Langdale Wood last Wednesday to fight the Three Counties Agricultural Society’s controversial plans to build 50 holiday lodges and a reception office on the land across Blackmore Road.
More than 70 people have already joined the Facebook page to object to the project which Malvern Hills District Council chiefs are hopeful of making a decision on at a southern area planning committee before the end of the year.
Speaking to the Observer, Mrs Taylor, a 56-year-old mother-of-two, said she decided to set up the group to prevent the land from turning into ‘another piece of wilderness’.
“Until last year I did not even realise Langdale Wood existed,” she said.
“It is such a lovely place to go and take the dog for a walk to escape from the stresses of life.
“If this application goes through, the woodland and its wildlife, including the cuckoos, nightingales and moorhens, will be lost forever.
“I take my dog for a walk there every morning and I want everyone one to be able to enjoy the wonders of the woods as they are so therapeutic.”
She labelled the application to build holiday lodges on the land as ‘ridiculous’, saying it would turn the place into just another holiday park.
The Save Langdale Wood group will be holding a get-together at the site on Sunday at 1.30pm to come up with a strategy to fight the planning application which has received more than 50 complaints from residents on the district council’s website.
Mrs Taylor hopes the meeting will give the chance for people to voice their concerns and try to preserve something for the future generation.
“The woods are something which children should go out and see but once it is gone it cannot be replaced,” said the former social worker of 22 years.
“Kids love to run around and they should not have to experience the world through computer games and what they see on television.
“The support I have received since I set up the group has been completely overwhelming.
“Saving the woodlands is a big thing for me and it is great to see so many people have been in touch.
“I just hope that support equates to people helping run the campaign rather than me getting a pat on the back and a well done for fighting my corner.”
To join the campaign, search Save Langdale Wood on Facebook.
An online petition against the campaign has also been launched.
It can be found by clicking here.
