About us

The Friends of Lapwing Fields Green Space (Slyne with Hest & Bolton le Sands) has evolved from the Slyne with Hest & Bolton le Sands Greenbelt Action Group which was formed in 2015 in response to the Local Plan consultation to define our Greenbelt area.  Happily, at that time, we were successful in helping to retain the Greenbelt status which provides wonderful green space, agricultural land, wildlife preservation and a much needed division between the two ancient villages of Slyne with Hest and Bolton le Sands.

 

Despite this Greenbelt status being reviewed and preserved only 10 years ago, new government changes to planning regulations means that our greenbelt is yet again under very real threat of development.

 

So here we are again, defending the last remaining green space between our two villages and the beloved wildlife who are our neighbours.  Hence the decision to re-name our community group as Friends of Lapwing Fields Green Space.  

 

Lapwings have seen a 60% decline in numbers over the past few decades due to many factors, not least of which is a loss of habitat and disturbance due to predation from pet cats.  They are particularly vulnerable as ground nesting birds, to predation, therefore to have Lapwings with their distinctive call, nesting on this precious area of green space is both a blessing and priviledge which we must preserve.

 

As well as Lapwings there are bats, newts, owls and a diverse variety of nesting birds.  There are two natural springs on the land which attracts many kinds of wildlife including the lapwings and we have local foxes and hedgehogs.

 

There are so many other considerations which should take priority: 

 undeveloped brown sites which spoil the local area, particularly along Morecambe Promenade.  The area has a high percentage of

derelict and empty properties (higher than the national average) as well as

Areas already agreed for development but not yet implemented.

Our local village infrastructure is unable to support existing population and we truly believe that the last remaining areas of green, undeveloped land should be the very last option.

 

Once developed, this land will never return to it's natural state.  We need everyone to see how important and how urgent this protection is so please contact us today, get involved, have your say and support us in protecting our villages and our environment.