RESIDENTS are being urged to join the fight to save York's oldest nature reserve, Askham Bog.

Developers have announced plans to build 500 homes on land adjacent to the site off Moor Lane in Woodthorpe despite the bog being earmarked as Green Belt land in the Local Plan.

Sir David Attenborough visited Askham Bog in June 2016 and described the nature reserve as a "cathedral of nature conservation" and as important to residents as York Minster.

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust (YWT) will hold an event today, September 15, at the site from 10am to 3pm to speak to residents about how they can help save the nature reserve.

Cllr Stephen Fenton, Liberal Democrat Ward councillor for Dringhouses and Woodthorpe, said: “As ward councillors, I and my colleagues have been absolutely clear that we do not support this proposed development because of its proximity to Askham Bog, and I know many local residents feel the same. We have had to fight off previous proposals to develop this green belt site, and we will do the same again.

“I want to thank YWT for organising Saturday’s event, and I would encourage residents to attend and get involved by learning what they can do to help save Askham Bog.

“I hope that when they consider the emerging Local Plan, the planning inspectors take into account the strength of feeling about this special site.”

For more information visit ywt.org.uk/events/help-us-save-askham-bog.