This week's local paper contains an article that indicates that part of Moore Nature Reserve is being proposed for development. Previous items showed that the adjoining Arpley Meadows had been earmarked for a housing development, but the plans indicated that the reserve itself would be untouched. Recently other plans were made public showing large areas of farmland in nearby Lower Walton were designated for housing and light industry, this has caused an outcry. However, today's paper clearly states that part of the reserve is earmarked for development, and shows a photograph of the car park and dog walking field. The whole reserve is owned by Peel Ports, and since the closure of the nearby landfill they have refused to confirm that site is safe from development. Much of the site is unsuitable for building, the alder carr, lagoons and Eastern Reedbed for example, but the areas of sandy heath are suitable for development. This is a site that disappears from the birding limelight at times, especially since the tip closure and reduction in gull numbers, but it should still be sacrosant, Although the areas directly used by Lesser Spotted Woodpecker and Bittern may not be directly affected, they will be impacted indirectly. Please keep an eye on any future developments on this issue, and if need be write to the authorities.