By Anna Whittaker, Local Democracy Reporter
A campaign opposing plans for kayaking on a ‘tranquil’ Nottinghamshire lake has led to more than 2,000 people signing a petition against the idea.
The proposal is for Balderton Lake, near Newark, to be used for watersports.
The YMCA and Balderton Parish Council revealed plans last year to build a launch dock for boats at the lake, to be used as part of the YMCA Community and Activity Village site which is due to open later in 2022.
It will run activities to “advocate inclusion by empowering young people, especially those who are vulnerable or from disadvantaged backgrounds”.
But a campaign group called Save Wildlife and Nature (SWAN) has been set up to oppose the plans and a petition organised by the group has gained more than 2,500 signatures.
One member of the group previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the plans for kayaking and canoeing on the lake would amount to a ‘mini Center Parcs’.
Youth charity the YMCA says it hopes small groups of young people will use a small area of the lake for select times of the year only.
Plans state that up to 16 kayaks could go out on the lake at one time, which SWAN says could cause “significant disturbance to the birds during the breeding season”.
The campaign group plans to attend Balderton Parish Council’s Annual Parish Meeting on May 4 to put forward their concerns and questions “questions relating to the Council’s agreement with the YMCA to undertake kayaking and canoeing at the Lake”.
SWAN campaigners will be presenting two pieces of artwork at the 6.30pm meeting; a kingfisher and a swan, expressing the communities views on protecting the lake.
Resident Sam Farrell, 40, set up the Balderton Lake Upkeep Conservation Page with her partner seven years ago.
She said the former gravel pit site has been transformed into a “vast oasis of species” which is a “lifeline” for many people.
She said: “To encroach on our nature here with boathouses and pontoons seems very inconsiderate of the environmental issues we have at the minute.
“We already have those activities on our doorstep already.
“There is so much being built up in our area and it’s very different from when I first moved here, there’s no countryside left.
“We’re very thin on the ground for green space and we feel this is an environmental problem.
“We have so many birds and endangered species on the lake including the kingfisher and otters.
“We feel that putting boats on that water will be of detriment to the animals. The animals shouldn’t have to adapt when they’ve lived there in peace for years.
“We’re worried that once canoes and kayaks appear the kingfisher and swans will leave.”
A 10-year licence agreement between the YMCA and Balderton Parish Council was signed in January.
The YMCA said the agreement states final approval of the dock design and security must be given by the parish council before activities can start on the lake.
The YMCA said it will be going through the formal design process with an architect conducting necessary surveys needed for planning approval.
Todd Cauthorn, Executive Director at YMCA Newark and Sherwood, said ecologists have assured the charity that “no impact or harm will come to local wildlife” through the proposals.
But he said that the YMCA has agreed to commission additional ecology surveys by an external agency, which are now underway.
Mr Cauthorn said: “We should have results to share once breeding season has ended to confirm no wildlife will be impacted before we progress.
“If we understand correctly that the core concerns are the protection of wildlife and the safety of lake users, we hope that our continued sharing of official report results on our website helps to allay concerns so we can move forward positively with enabling young people to safely enjoy and respect nature as much as we do in a safe environment.”
He added that the YMCA will “ensure species continue to thrive in harmony with YMCA’s minimal usage”.
Balderton Parish Council did not provide a comment.
