THE popular wildlife habitat at Wick Golden Valley is at risk of losing its status as a local nature reserve (LNR).
The site is home to diverse species of bats, birds, invertebrates, fungi and plants, and was declared as an LNR in 2005.
Since then, South Gloucestershire Council has managed site access, rights of way and maintenance of trees, habitat and safety fencing, with a series of different landowners over time responsible for historic industrial structures under an “access and management agreement” (A&MA) between the two parties.
Under a 1949 law, for a site to remain a local nature reserve, an A&MA must be in place.
But the current two landowners have told the council they no longer wish to be part of this agreement, which means the LNR status could now be withdrawn by Natural England.
South Gloucestershire councillors have agreed to begin public consultation into what this means for the future of Wick Golden Valley, which is also a site of nature conservation interest – a designation which would remain in place.
The committee voted unanimously to begin public consultation.