PLANS for a new base for Natural England at the Parsonage Down National Nature Reserve (NNR) have been submitted.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and Natural England have commissioned the new site, at Cherry Lodge Farm, in Shrewton.

The Parsonage Down NNR is a working farm, owned and managed by Natural England.

Its operational base is at Cherry Lodge Farm and the new building would be built on the site of a current farm yard manure pit and hardstanding.

A hay barn would also be replaced as part of the plans.

“The proposals relate to the development of a new work base and improved facilities for Natural England at their existing base,” the plan said.

READ MORE: New learning block and neolithic communal building planned at Stonehenge site

“By improving their facilities at this location, Natural England will be able to continue to have immediate access to the reserve.

“The new building will provide more suitable office accommodation, as well as a multi-functional space for visiting groups.”

The new, “low-lying and timber-clad” office building would also offer space for visiting educational groups and research teams, the plans said.

As well as the building, the plans detail proposals for parking and bin stores.

For more details, and to comment on the plans, log on to www.wiltshire.gov.uk and search for application reference PL/2023/11220.