Please Read This If You Are Familiar With The Book "Watership Down."
By Janey1966
@Janey1966 (24170)
Carlisle, England
February 2, 2012 1:11pm CST
Unbelievably, Sandleford Park in Berkshire (the inspiration for the "Watership Down novel) has been ear-marked for development i.e. houses by the local Council.
Not surprisingly, the author of "Watership Down" Richard Adams (90) is none too pleased and says he will resist it at all costs, not purely due to his book but the fact it's a wonderful area for the locals and wildlife and all that will be lost if the development is given the go-ahead.
I am all in favour of progress and building much-needed houses for folk but I can't help thinking in this instance, "Is nothing sacred?"
I don't live anywhere near the area but I've signed the petition anyway..and I've read Richard Adams's article on the subject too (further down the page on the link), which will give you some background as to why this area is so important.
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-watership-down-dont-develop-sandleford-park
I don't live anywhere near the area but I've signed the petition anyway..and I've read Richard Adams's article on the subject too (further down the page on the link), which will give you some background as to why this area is so important.
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-watership-down-dont-develop-sandleford-park2 people like this
7 responses
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Feb 12
Nothing surprises me when it comes to planning. It's not too far from here and I grew up even closer to it than i fo now. Bur I've never visited. I can imagine though. All part of John Prescott's attempts to turn the south of England into an urban eyesore and nobody has told the Council that he's out of office now!
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Feb 12
As you know I'm a Labour voter and no-one is more disappointed than me at how moronic that man has become, both in office and out of it. I remember when he was in Opposition, banging on about how he'd change the transport infrastructure on Question Time..and look at him now..fat, rich and so far removed from his Union days it's beyond belief. Mind you, the Unions don't give a stuff either about the working man anymore.
I hope this development never comes to fruition. Any idea why it's not a protected area?
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
3 Feb 12
I suppose that not everywhere can be protected. Relatively few places are. However the chalk downs throughout Berkhire, Hampshire and here in Wiltshire are outstandingly beautiful and some considerstion ought to be given to preserving them. Politicians of all parties seem to view the countryside as a building opportunity. People have to live somewhere of course and I am not entirely against green field sites. But let's exploit brownfield ones first.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
3 Feb 12
Hi Janey, I am not familiar with the book Watership Down that is why I am curious to read the rest of your post. Isn't it ironic to what you have just said on the title? 
No clue about this book but I might search it and see if it will interest me 
No clue about this book but I might search it and see if it will interest me @Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Feb 12
If you sign the petition that will be even better. It is open to everyone around the world, not just the UK.
@girl_thinking (1959)
• Philippines
4 Feb 12
All right! After I read it, I will sign up if I know I have to! Thanks for the info Janey!
@ElicBxn (63252)
• United States
3 Feb 12
Thanks for the heads up!
I read Watership Down back in the 1970's and it would be a shame to know a human warren was built on that lovely site.
I really don't live in the area, but I have actually traveled outside the city into the country side of England and it is one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and I've seen a LOT of place.
I would hate to think of those lovely fields where rabbits are a natural part of the scenery were destroyed.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Feb 12
Green spaces are at a premium in that part of the world anyway so to lose a REALLY special area like this would be horrendous.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Feb 12
I don't own a copy of it anymore but it still remains in my heart as one of my favourites. Needless to say, if I every acquire an Amazon Kindle it will be the first to be revisited on it.
@maezee (41996)
• United States
14 Feb 12
Oh my gosh, I absolutely loved Watership Down! I read that in middle school. Of course I was always told that there was political significance in that, not really taking a stance against wildlife. But I guess the meaning/context could go both ways. I really did love that book though. I should re-read it.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
19 Feb 12
I should too but, unfortunately, I no longer have a copy of it. Wonderful book though.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16578)
• China
3 Feb 12
I agree with you.The development shouldn't destroy the natural landscape,scenery of humanities and ecological environment which can't be copied.Nowadays,some people only attach importance to economic effects regardless of social impact and people's quality of life,etc.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
3 Feb 12
It's such a beautiful place. Serene-looking. It moves me and I'm nowhere near it so it must be wonderful to actually experience the place. Let's hope the petition does some good.
@changjiangzhibin89 (16578)
• China
4 Feb 12
The places like that are less and less."They drain the pond to get all the fish."Your petition gives expression to the demands of the most people.I reckon the local council has to take it into account.
@ShardAerliss (1488)
•
2 Feb 12
Thanks for posting this link. It is sad when someone decides to build on ANY green land. We have so many brown field sites in the UK but for reasons beyond my grasp developers insist on destruction. It is even sadder when it is a place held in the fond memories of millions of people across the globe.
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
2 Feb 12
Which is why I'm pleased a petition has started. People power has become more important than ever and the internet has a huge role to play in instances like these. Let's hope enough "sign" so the developers have second thoughts.
