We, the undersigned, oppose the proposal to site The Heights (Caversham) Primary School on the current location of “Bugs Bottom” (Hemdean Valley).

Whilst we are totally supportive of the new free school in our community, the proposal to use Bugs Bottom as the site of this school development would be wholly inappropriate. This site has both great ecological and social benefits to the community. All-year-round, Bugs Bottom is enjoyed by families, walkers, dog walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders… the list goes on. In addition, it is registered as a Local Wildlife Site, with County Level importance for wildlife. It is home to a vast array of wildlife, from Red Kites, bats, foxes, badgers, deer, butterflies, to other important insects and bird species, as well as hedgerows, deciduous woodland, and lowland meadows.

Siting the free school in Bugs Bottom will not only result in the loss of this important natural habitat, but will cause a significant increase in school-related trafficacross Caversham Heights as this site is located on the outer edge of the proposed catchment area. The proposed site would make a fourth primary school within a 3-mile radius.

As mentioned above, we DO support the need for a new free school, but Bugs Bottom is not a suitable site.