Nature reserve in Colchester could be sold by council
They are "exploring" options for the future of Cymbeline Meadows
“One of Colchester’s most beautiful spots” could be sold off by the local council. Colchester City Council is “exploring” options for the future of Cymbeline Meadows, near The Chase Way, Colchester, a meeting was told.
The beauty spot, which was made a nature reserve in 2023, has become “a wildlife haven.” The 74 hectares of land includes working farmland, a “rich variety” of habitats, meadows and woodland, on the banks of the River Colne.
At a full council meeting, on May 27, Sir Bob Russell, former Lib Dem MP for the city, said: “I invite the leader of the council to tell this council and the people of Colchester what is going on with Cymbeline Meadows. Why are you putting it up for sale, no local council should be selling a nature reserve.”
He insisted all councillors should be told what is going on. The meeting was intended to elect a new council leader but after split votes on two options, the issue was adjourned and a new leader will be elected at a later date. Separate nominations were made for Lib Dem councillor David King and Tory councillor Paul Dundas to become the leader.
Mark Goacher, Green Party councillor, blasted plans to sell the nature spot as “absolutely outrageous.”. He added: “What on earth is going on and why was this dropped on us just after the election and not before, well I think I can answer that question. This is probably the most important nature site in the centre of Colchester, apart from Middlewick Ranges.”
Responding to the criticisms, Mark Cory, Lib Dem councillor for resources and assets, said it will not go through if it’s not supported and if an option that’s not productive comes forward.
He added: “This was put through the member’s estates group, which involves cross party involvement, pretty much all parties that were here before, except Reform, so it involved everybody. There is an email that goes to every member to explain what is happening there. We are not selling it off to be developed, we’re exploring who can better take on that site to invest in it for farmland and biodiversity.”
NOTE: The council has since re-assured residents on their website.