A leading wildlife charity has come under fire for planning to build homes - on one of its own nature reserves.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) wants to build 12 new homes on a greenfield site in Wiltshire.

The plans, set out in a community consultation document, outline the charity's aim of building homes on the Winterbourne Downs Reserve in the village of Newton Tony. 

The site, called Manor Farm, is owned by the RSPB, though the charity says the plot is comprised of “disused and dilapidated buildings.” 

The plans would also see the building of a “community greenspace and wildflower meadow, community parking and storage building, and a business courtyard as well as donating a section of the land for “community use.” 

Camilla EadieCamilla Eadie (Image: SWNS)

Camilla Eadie, 60, who has lived in the village for 12 years, said: “This destruction would really damage our village way of life.  

“We are a village of dog walkers, and we don’t want to see this in our beautiful little English country village. 

“The only reason they (The RSPB) seem to be doing this is to make money, it all seems very underhand.” 

The rural village is comprised of around 400 people and sits in the valley of the River Bourne, which cuts through the village. 

The RSPB says it will submit a pre-application planning enquiry to the local authority after it has received feedback from the local community. 

William RouseWilliam Rouse (Image: SWNS)

Parish councillor William Rouse, 57, said: “Everybody in the village is astonished and appalled. 

“A lot of people bought houses here, knowing it’s surrounded by a reserve and imagining that that would be safe.  

“It’s not being a NIMBY – this is a conservation charity building houses on a field!” 

The RSPB has been approached for comment.