A GROUP of pals have launched a bid to prevent a wildlife habitat being sold for potential development.

Ian Harden and his friends want to save the land at Mill Lane, Maldon, from being bought and developed in the future.

The land, nestled just outside the Tesco site and next to the Blackwater River and Chelmer Navigation, is popular with walkers, cyclists and wildlife watchers.

The 5.8-acre site is currently up for sale with a £250,000 price-tag and is being marketed as a “strategic business location”.

The group aims to buy the land and place it in a permanent trust, owned by the people of Maldon and Heybridge to keep it as it is.

Ian said: “This has been used as a nature reserve and flood plain for some years.

“It is in a place of natural beauty next to the River Blackwater and is a wild habitat for many nesting birds and small mammals.

“The local community, dog walkers, nature enthusiasts all use the area every day for exercise and enjoyment.

“It was developed some years ago with boardwalks that run through the reed beds so you can get up close to nature.

“It is also a concern that building on a flood plain and reclaimed saltmarsh would create further localised flooding issues.

“In addition to this there would be potential access problems and the harm to local retail businesses with the advent of another retail store

“We will organise its transfer to the National Trust if they are interested or keep it maintained by a non-profit trust group created from the funds of those who invest.”

It was developed some years ago with boardwalks that run through the reed beds so you can get up close to nature.

The group also wants to repair the boardwalk and put in seating to allow people to immerse themselves in the nature.

Ian added: “If local people that use it regularly invested around £10 each, we would only require around 30,000 separate donations to reach the target to purchase the land and pay for the legal fees and repair the boardwalk.

“Any monies you can afford to donate will be greatly received for what I’m sure you will agree is a worthy cause for today’s and future generations.”

To donate to the fund, search for ‘Save the nature reserve from development’ on GoFundMe or click here.