‘Conserve our Reserve’ plea

The proposed £11m sale of Lake Vyrnwy has sparked concern for the future of one of Wales’s most popular nature reserves.

 

The RSPB Lake Vyrnwy nature reserve has implemented a long term plan to support rare species and enjoyed huge success this summer when three baby peregrine falcons fled the nest under the watchful eyes of thousands of visitors.

 

But Severn Trent’s decision to sell off the Lake Vyrnwy Estate has raised concern about the future of the reserve and its dozens of wildlife projects.

 

“RSPB Cymru and Severn Trent Water have had a long standing partnership at Lake Vyrnwy for over 30 years,” said Laurence Rose, Acting Director of RSPB Cymru. “If the land is sold, we will insist on the continued conservation of the site’s diverse wildlife and habitats and try to secure the future of the organic farm. We can assure the many thousands of visitors to the reserve that we aim to continue to develop the site for wildlife and people.”

 

Built for the purpose of providing water for Merseyside more than a century ago, Lake Vyrnwy has become a tourist haven and is designated as a National Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a Special Protection Area, and a Special Area of Conservation.

 

In 1974, the estate was taken over by Severn Trent Water Authority, which is now offering it for sale on a 125-year lease. It will keep control of the lake, which will continue to supply Liverpool, but it may negotiate a 30-year lease for water rights.

 

The sale is one of the biggest in British history with a billion square feet up for grabs. The estate is dotted with 14 leased farms, plus 31 cottages, private or commercial buildings, including a lakeside cafe.