A historic park where John Ray recorded plants in the 17th Century may become a protected nature reserve.

Hoppit Mead is being considered for Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status after members of the public supported proposals to put forward the site and Marshalls Park at a community consultation event and month-long online consultation last year.

Hoppit Mead is one of the few local identifiable sites where renowned plant biologist John Ray recorded plants in the 17th century and which still supports the same type of vegetation today. 

Becoming a nature reserve will protect areas of fen and damp woodland which are uncommon in the district from future development.

Following formal approval from Natural England, the council will look to begin a volunteer community group to assist with maintaining and managing the reserve and raise awareness.