A WILDLIFE haven could soon become a designated nature reserve, giving it extra protection against development.
A former sand extraction site, off Halstead Road, in Gosfield, was originally bought by Gosfield Parish Council, in 1984.
It now contains 11 ponds, woodland, scrub and glades.
Surveys on amphibian life, vegetation, bats and moths have been undertaken to gain the nature reserve status.
The evidence must be presented to Natural England.
The parish council is supporting the application, and it is hoped Halstead Area Local Committee will also give its backing when it meets in November.
Richard Parmee, Braintree Council’s landscape and countryside officer, said: “We’re trying to encourage its use as an educational facility. It’s designated as a local wildlife site, which means it’s less likely to be looked on favourably for development, but nature reserve status means it’s unlikely to be developed at all.
“We’re hoping we will have gained nature reserve status by the end of the year.”
Bug hunting and hedgehog awareness days have been held there and its ponds are popular with anglers.
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