Dear John,

Can you help us by signing this important petition?

You may remember that I have written to you about these concerning plans already, and that you have already very kindly helped to take action. We are now taking further steps by starting this important petition, to call on the council to take notice and realise the public are not in favour of this project. We must ensure it does not go ahead, and your support is vital. 

Reece Oliver wants to build a new zoo on greenbelt land in the village of Trowell. Currently marketed as 'The Broxtowe Retreat and Sanctuary', the designs include a restaurant, spa and 27 guest cabins, alongside many animal enclosures which will be built to hold a range of species captive.

We need your help to stop these cruel plans from being approved!

Although described in their promotional material as “a sanctuary”, it will be run as a zoo model, with project developers expecting to be part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Ex-Situ Breeding Program (EEP), and that 100% of the animals will be initially sourced via these programs.

The term “sanctuary" is quite simply being used as a marketing tool.

Local residents are rightly concerned about the prospect of this project. There are many issues to take into consideration such as: 

• Animal welfare
• Public safety
• Environmental destruction
• Traffic build-up and pollution
• Flooding risks

Developers are claiming the greenbelt land has a “biodiversity net-loss” to justify building works, yet many animals live and transiently move through the natural hedgerows and habitats on the site, including legally protected species such as badgers, great-crested newts, otters and water voles. The ecological and environmental impacts of the development will be catastrophic to local wildlife, and destroy many native species who should instead be protected at all costs. 

We are calling for Broxtowe Council to reject application 22/00892/FUL to build a new zoo in Trowell. With your help we can show the council that public support for this damaging and unethical project is low, and it should not be allowed to go ahead.

Please act now!

Thank you for your support with this important action. As always, we appreciate your vital help in the fight for animal freedom. I will keep you posted on how the campaign is going!

For the animals


Laura Walton
Campaigns Manager
Freedom for Animals