News from the RSPB site

Plans to build an 'Eco-town' of 15,000 houses at Weston Otmoor, north of Oxford, have been slammed by Europe's largest conservation charity, the RSPB.

The charity has slated the plans, which threaten the Wendlebury Meads and Mansmoor Closes Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and would destroy BBOWT’s Woodsides Meadow nature reserve in the process.

Both sites are sensitive meadows rich in orchids, wild flowers and grasses, butterflies, moths and birds.
A serious threat

Colin Wilkinson, RSPB planning officer, said: ‘Our view on the Weston Otmoor eco-town is unequivocal: this site should be dropped now from the government’s short-list.

‘The Weston Otmoor proposal is a serious threat to one of Britain’s natural jewels, a designated wildlife site bursting with unusual flora that is supposed to be protected from damage.

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