RESIDENTS of a Winchester estate are being urged to help buy land that may be at risk from development.

Badger Farm has a number of chunks of land that have come on the market following the liquidation of a building company, Davis Development. It includes the park known as Davis Kickabout.

Now a crowdfunding campaign is raising funds for an auction on March 18 to dispose of the company’s assets.

The estimated price at auction is £5,000 but it could be higher with land in Winchester eagerly eyed by developers, even though the chance of it being developed for housing are low.

Badger Farm Residents Community Association is calling for public support and contributions and wants to raise £15,000. It so far has pledges of £4,256 from 62 people.

It says: “Children have learnt to ride bikes there, play, sledge or just run and be kids. Dogwalkers cross back and forth as do joggers, cyclists, and the rest of us walking whether to our local supermarket, into town, out to Whiteshute Ridge, home or to friends. In quieter moments, our wildlife comes out – sparrows, woodpeckers, wagtails, doves, hedgehogs, shrews, dormice, slow worms, and the occasional deer wandering over from the downs.”

The association, with the parish council, has made an application for village green status to the county council but it will be months before a decision is made.

It says it is investigating whether the original title deeds for the area from the 1980s, when Badger Farm was built, would provide protection. A note of this investigation has been placed with Land Registry which may deter some developers.

City councillor Brian Laming said: “The land is designated as open space and is well used by everyone. This is a great example of the community working together for the benefit of all.”

The city council is very supportive of this crowd funding initiative and by the residents’ association and all their efforts to help to secure the future of this area.”