Photos: Minister Tours Riddell’s Bay Area
The Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban recently visited the Riddell’s Bay nature reserve and recreation area, with the Minister saying “it is an example of how developers, environmental groups and government can work together to achieve the right balance to protect our environment and create open spaces for our residents to enjoy.”
A Government spokesperson said, “Last year, the Riddell’s Bay [Warwick Parish] Special Development Order [SDO] 2020 established one of the largest privately held, publicly accessible conservation areas in Bermuda. A significant component of the SDO is the provision of public access to 64 acres of conservation land.
“The SDO conditions include the provisions to create 18 vacant residential lots totalling 23 acres approximately 25% of the property, intended to each accommodate one detached house; develop four conservation areas totalling 64 acres an estimate 75% of the property and comprised of a nature reserve area totalling 18 acres an open space area totalling 14 acres; a recreation area totalling 19 acres and open space area totalling 13 acres as well as, the development of an internal system of roadways and associated parking areas, a network of footpaths and private and communal outdoor areas and landscaped grounds.
“Minister Roban, Senator Lindsay Simmons, and MP Jason Wade toured the development last week.”
Minister Roban said, “A great deal of hard work has gone into creating the new conservation areas for the public to enjoy. Conservation work currently underway includes eradicating invasive species [i.e. Mexican Pepper] and other non-native spaces such as Casuarina and the new plantings of various endemic and native trees.
“What was notable were the numerous Cedar trees on the property, which before culling works began, were previously overtaken by Mexican pepper. The significant landscaping improvements have enhanced the habitat for birdlife.
“We are pleased to see that many local landscaping companies have been employed to do all the work on-site including constructing a vast network of walking trails and the restoration of ponds.
“Sustainable construction practices are being employed on-site. For example, old asphalt from previous golf cart paths has been removed, ground-up and reused as fill for the eastern road. Large Casuarina trunks have been transformed into benches, smaller Casuarina trunks and other invasives are mulched and reused in pedestrian pathways and garden areas.
“The Riddell’s Bay development is an example of how developers, environmental groups and government can work together to achieve the right balance to protect our environment and create open spaces for our residents to enjoy.”
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Minister Roban says …
“The Riddell’s Bay development is an example of how developers, environmental groups and government can work together to achieve the right balance to protect our environment and create open spaces for our residents to enjoy.”
The sign says …
Riddells’ Bay Gardens and nature reserve
PRIVATE PROPERTY
Is there a contradiction in there somewhere ?
Read the sign – it says “Private” which means no general access! So which one is it? This breaks my heart to see such an amazing golf course destroyed for the almighty dollar! Shame on all involved! And now PLP jumping on it because another private course has been put down! Watch out Mid Ocean is next!
Wholeheartedly agree with the Minister. Well done to everyone, including the government!!
What a wonderful story of collaboration.
Thank you to Minister Roban and all those who worked to make this possible, This is very refreshing and as this golf course has laid unattended for years, we see it’s life being brought back in a way for all to enjoy.
Thank you again Minister and each of you that has made this possible.
Nice but it ain’t God’s country.
Indeed there are contradictions to this project. It would be helpful if the “…open spaces for our residents to enjoy.” were more clearly defined for those who act like they don’t know. I have been challenged on several occasions and told in no uncertain terms that, “this is Private Property.” Lady, I know where the property boundaries are; you might like to educate yourself if you are not certain and miss me with the nastiness.
Similar contradictions rest in the assumption of a “…right balance…” Right balance for who, Minister? The lots are apportioned for private sale to achieve maximum gain (the owner’s prerogative–I get it) but let’s skip the spin and call it what it is. This is a business move which has precious little to do with any access for the general public.
I agree with you on that statement. Horse blinder on a narrow curve windy road on a foggy day with hidden pot-holes. How does the general public be able to access so said nature reserve without being confronted with some person with a disposition that all is mine attitude? The signs clearly placed state that it is nature reserve private property. A nature reserve that is private for the property owners …any if any who of the public they consider acceptable to allow access. Hahaha! …hoodwinking for those that can’t see through that. Need to clarify that agreement that clearly favors the developers and not the general public. I hear there is a lot hidden concerning the land of Riddles Bay and ownership that need to be microscope. I know no nature reserved that is private…not open to the general public. Those signs need to be defined clearly define as to it’s actual meaning with maps included because those signs mislead and vague regarding the minster accretion. Land garbing bunch is the word from whispers.