More than 100 people took part in a protest which has been held at a Nottinghamshire lake.
The protestors called on Balderton Parish Council to reconsider allowing watersports on Balderton Lake.
The demonstration took place on Saturday, February 19, despite sleet, heavy downpour and chilly temperatures.
The peaceful afternoon protest, organised by the community group Saving Wildlife and Nature (SWAN), saw talks from residents and wildlife experts followed by a silent walk around Balderton lake led by a symbolic giant swan.
The YMCA and Balderton Parish Council revealed plans to build a launch dock for boats at Balderton Lake, to be used as part of the YMCA Community and Activity Village site, which is set to open in spring 2022.
Some residents are concerned by the large group sizes of 16 boats and staff members occupying a large area of the lake which will come very close to the islands that are providing crucial habitat for nesting birds.
SWAN believes both activities could cause significant disturbance to the birds during the breeding season, resulting in them abandoning their nests altogether. With no local sites for these species to relocate to, it could result in Newark losing its stronghold of bird species, campaigners say.
The community also fear they have been left out of all decisions and can find very little evidence of a public consultation.
Emma Oldham, one of the protest organisers, said: “SWAN has given the people of Balderton a voice today. This protest has united hundreds of people - even in this mad weather - showing strong opposition to YMCA’s plans.
“There is a real sense of community ownership over this lake. Balderton Parish Council and YMCA has seriously undervalued the intrinsic value and relationship residents have to this lake. They must be listened to.”
Support for the campaign has surged. Petition signatures continue to grow and SWAN has been bombarded with offers of support.
Mum and Balderton resident Sam Farrell said: “I felt very proud and honoured to be part of a community of such kind, caring and environmentally conscious people who care deeply for Balderton Lake and its precious wildlife.
“In such awful conditions with such a huge turnout, it really shows the passion people have about saving the jewel of Balderton.”
Balderton Parish Council said it had undergone an ecological survey and believed the project will not be detrimental to any wildlife at the site.
The parish council said in a statement: "The parish council believes, and has been reassured by an ecological survey that was undertaken, that allowing the YMCA to provide supervised kayaking and canoeing at Balderton Lake will not be detrimental to the wildlife that it has worked hard to encourage.
"Members of the council consider that enjoyment of this beautiful facility will not be compromised with the planned activity and is pleased to be working alongside the YMCA."
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