LOCAL climate campaigners have criticised proposals to turn part of Shawford Down nature reserve into a car park for commuters.

Hampshire County Council, which owns the land, is currently in talks with South Western Railway to construct a 100-space car park to solve the problem of parking by rail commuters.

It has prompted backlash from village residents, amid claims from Compton and Shawford Parish Council that villagers have already been consulted on the plans which were changed earlier this year.

Now Extinction Rebellion Winchester has hit out at the council saying it is “failing in their duty to preserve and protect this land on behalf of the community”.

“What value would you put on this piece of land? Think about this before you answer,” said Lesley Mackinnon of the group.

“The value of this land is not monetary. We cannot buy what it gives us. Two mature trees produce enough oxygen for a family of four every year. The variety of trees, grasses, flowers, plants and fungi support a huge range of insects, birds, and other mammals. Mature trees lock up around a tonne of harmful carbon dioxide in their life-time.

“During lockdown it is places like these, on both small and large scales, that have helped us fight the panic of the coronavirus tragedy.”

Campaigners are accusing HCC of being happy to see trees cut down, flowers and vegetation destroyed

“By devaluing the land through their use of language, and concealing its location within the nature reserve, maybe they believe we will not get upset about it disappearing under the bulldozers and excavators. The end result will be dead land,” Lesley added.

Extinction Rebellion Winchester is challenging HCC to step up to its environmental stewardship responsibilities.

“We ask you to take this part of Shawford Down nature reserve off the negotiating table. Maintain our natural environment and help Hampshire residents keep our air clean for now and future generations. Dead land has no value.”