'Serene escape for wildlife lovers' in York gets protected status

The Hempland Lane Allotments Community Wildlife Area is home to owls and other animals (Image: Provided)

AN area said to be a serene escape for wildlife lovers in York has been granted protected status.

An application to designate the Hempland Lane Allotments Community Wildlife Area as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) has been approved.

Cllr Katie Lomas, City of York Council's Labour finance lead, said she was happy to approve the bid for all those enjoying and looking after the area.

The Hempland Lane Allotment Association's bid for the status said the quiet space has been enjoyed by plot holders, local residents and the general public for more than 25 years.

It comes as the application for ACV status was approved on Tuesday, October 6.

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Heworth's Hempland Lane Allotments Community Wildlife Area is currently owned by the council.

The Allotments Association's application stated the area had been created in a derelict former paddock in 2000 with council approval.

It added its two seasonal ponds helped to drain the surrounding land.

The group stated: “It was converted into a quiet space where nature could thrive.

“The area provides peace and tranquillity, offering a serene escape for its visitors, including nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

“It is a haven for a rich variety of flora and fauna, and is a crucial habitat for many species, including bats, owls, goldfinches, great tits, blue tits, woodpeckers, willow warblers, frogs and newts.

“It is regularly visited and used by allotment holders, local schoolchildren, and nearby residents as a quiet place to rest, contemplate, and be at one with nature.

An aerial view of the Hempland Lane Allotments Community Wildlife Area (Image: Google Maps)

“Recently the pond was redesigned to aid frogs and newts to flourish.

“The clearing in the woodland houses three memorial benches, paid for and placed there by people who have lost loved ones who enjoyed this quiet place.

“Listing this area as an ACV would formally recognise its value to the local community.”

Graham Hogben, the council's asset manager, said the area had supported the recreation and social wellbeing of wildlife lovers, allotment holders, local children and residents.

ACV status is granted to buildings or sites which are deemed to further social interests and well-being in a community, or has recently done so or would in the future.

Those deemed to qualify can include cultural and sporting venues or those found to contribute to social well-being in a local community.

If ACV status is granted to a site and its owner then decides to sell it, they will be made to wait for six weeks to give eligible local groups the chance to come forward with bids.

A full six-month moratorium is then triggered if a potential bidder comes forward, otherwise the building can then be sold on the open market.