REGARDING your report headlined 'Woodland Project: Green group's reaction to challenge,' (LET, March 27).

I am sure that the public are not aware of the true facts.

This area of countryside adjacent to the west of Burnley has no public access. Under the development proposals it will have access.

Over the past years, because of modern agricultural practices, this farm has been farmed intensively to the detriment of the environment and wildlife. Yes, there is still wildlife present on this land, but because of modern farm practises, this has been declining over several years.

For example, the loss of hay meadows to silage production has severely affected the lapwing, curlew, partridge, meadow pipit and, even worse, the skylark has disappeared.

Look at the fields. Yes, they may be green and pleasant to look at. This is because of farming and chemical control. But where have all the wild flowers, insects and butterflies gone? To intensive farming practises. Being an amateur naturalist, I have observed this decline over several years. The new proposed leisure centre will not be detrimental to the area, but will be an asset.

The land surrounding the leisure centre will be carefully managed. Trees and new hedges will be planted, and these will act as corridors for wildlife.

The silage meadows will revert back to wild flower and hay meadows, giving ground-nesting birds longer to rear their young.

The skylark will return to this more natural habitat. The insects and butterflies will return and the land will revert to what it was like in the 1950s.

The polluted River Brun which borders the land is home to the water birds -- mallard, coot, moorhen, heron and other species. These birds will benefit from a new pond and extensive reed beds which will give them a more natural environment and additional nesting sites.

I have come to the conclusion that this proposed development is in no way detrimental to the town, but an asset to the people of Burnley. This will create employment and a feeling of well-being in body and mind for all those who attend it. It will also be a refuge for all the local wildlife in the area.

J CROSSLEY (Mr), Kibble Grove, Brierfield, Nelson.

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