A fundraiser to save a ‘island oasis’ in York is launched today (Friday).
And the campaign to protect Severus Hill for future generations has been boosted by an ‘inspirational’ bequest of £10,000 from two environmentalists.
Anyone else who wants to help ensure the site is saved from development can donate on the Crowdfunder page here.
As YorkMix first reported, Severus Hill was put up for sale for development by Keyland Developments Ltd, the property trading arm of Kelda Group and sister company to Yorkshire Water.
Campaigners say the site, which stands 35 metres above sea level in Holgate, is “a place of environmental, natural and historical significance” and want to conserve it for future generations.
After meeting with local councillors, Yorkshire Water postponed the auction. The Friends of Severus Hill have agreed a deadline of June to raise funds and put in a community bid for the site, including the landmark water tower.
In their fundraiser, the Friends describe Severus Hill as “a four-acre site of huge environmental, natural and historical significance”.
“Over the past decades nature has quietly reclaimed and re-wilded the space, forming an island oasis – a green lung in the heart of urban York.
“The site now provides a sanctuary for wildlife and nature to thrive. It serves as a lifeline for pollinators and impacts the biodiversity of the city.”
The not-for-profit Friends group aim to ensure “its environmental, natural and historical significance are protected and celebrated for future generations”.
‘Improve the natural world’
The campaign received a huge boost when they received the £10K bequest. It came from the family of farmer’s wife Joan Wells and her brother in law Roy Boyson.
They died last year at the ages of 100 and 97. Close friends, Mrs Wells and Mr Boyson shared a passion for nature and wildlife.
The family said: “Both left behind a strong desire for us as their family to improve the natural world and therefore this donation is being made in both their memories as a legacy of their passions to see the natural world flourish around them.
“Joan and Roy were great friends and shared a love for walking, poetry and art. Their conversations and creative collaborations would always end up at their shared love for nature and wildlife.
“In the beauty of the seasons they both found security, direction and peace that served them into their long lives. We miss them both.”
Jo Patton, of the Friends of Severus Hill, told YorkMix: “This is a statement of a legacy donation from two 100 year old environmentalists who have seen the change to our planet over the years, and essentially left the money and said, make a difference with this.
“We hope it inspires everyone to give a tenner to the campaign.”