Battle over birds

A new group has been formed to try to open Harbour Farm in Bembridge as a nature reserve and tourist attraction featuring bird hides, but the Environment Agency (EA) want to keep the land off limits to the public.

The land was bought 10 years ago by the EA and is managed by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB).

Previous owners, Ken and Dierdre Hicks, sold 420 acres of the farm to the RSPB in 1998 who wanted to create a sanctuary for wildlife after it was designated part of an EU Special Protection Area. However, years later, Mr Hicks said: “The EA came back to us and said they wanted to raise the level of the river by three inches and asked if we would agree.

“Most of this land is nine feet below highwater spring tides. We said no as it would become waterlogged. But we were told it was part of EU law. They said if we didn’t agree, they would compulsory purchase us. We took legal advice and were told we would lose.”

Now Andrew Holman has formed Harbour Farm Action Group, saying: “Since the EA bought the farm, it has gone to rack and ruin.

“They have now decided to demolish the farm buildings due to their lack of repair. They have also let the once beautiful and extensive gardens become overgrown with brambles. Gardens which contained unique Thornycroft apple trees amongst other delights.

“We are missing a huge opportunity for Bembridge to have a nature walk and bird hide at Harbour Farm.

“We understand that a recent survey commissioned by the EA, looked at the current state of repair of the Embankment. After listening to the views of local people, they suggested Harbour Farm had ‘potential tourist and/or public amenity improvements’.

“We understand the document concluded with the promise to have ‘continued community engagement with more detail on project specifics’.

“Despite emails requesting involvement, the EA have excluded local people or bodies such as councils. They have apparently decided to demolish the buildings and leave the land to do nothing.

“Continued requests to look at the possibly of a nature walk, visitor centre or bird hide have been ignored.”

Bembridge councillor, Joe Robertson, said: “I support looking at ways to allow the public to access some of the site for enjoyment and a better understanding of the variety of birds and special habitats that are flourishing there. This used to be a farm and family home until a few years ago, so we are not talking about an area where people have never been.

“Wildlife and special habitats benefit from a more informed public to take an active interest in preservation and there are few better ways of improving public understanding than allowing people to come face to face with nature, particularly future generations.”

He added: “I am also meeting the EA next week to discuss concerns about flooding along Morton Road and I will be raising the issue of access to Harbour Farm at the same time.”

Mr Holman will be discussing the matter with Bembridge Parish Council on Wednesday, and, in the meantime, is organising a mass protest at the farm on Sunday, February 4 at 2pm. He has also started a petition, aiming to get 500 signatures, which can be found at iow.life/harbourfarmpetition.

The IW Observer has been in discussions with the EA throughout the week, but it was unable to come back to answer our queries or provide a comment by the time we went to press.