Community bird art to be presented to Balderton Parish Council in protest of watersports plans on lake

Balderton Parish Council will be presented with some community wildlife art at its annual meeting tonight.

The meeting will discuss permission for the YMCA to run watersports on Balderton Lake, something local campaigners have been fighting for a while.

Campaigners from community group Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN) will present two pieces of bird artwork which express some of the community's views — young and old — on keeping Balderton Lake protected.

A colourful kingfisher and swan, both which live on the lake, will be presented. Each bird is made up of hundreds of signatures and notes calling on Balderton Parish Council to prioritise wildlife over watersports.

“I will be there on Wednesday representing the followers of the Balderton Lake Facebook page. We want to hear answers to our questions on how the YMCA and Balderton Parish Council can guarantee there will be no negative impact on our local wildlife," said resident Sam Farrell.

“I am hoping Balderton Parish Council will revoke their decision to allow the YMCA use of watersports on Balderton Lake. They should be working to protect our wildlife and green spaces, not encouraging encroachment and commercialisation of it. Especially when there are many nearby facilities already geared up for watersports. It does not make ecological or environmental sense.”

A petition has gained 2,500 signatures (including paper copies) and calls on the parish to keep boats banned.

SWAN has met with Newark MP Robert Jenrick to express its concerns.