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The Friends of Wicklesham Quarry are seeking to raise £65,000 to bring a legal challenge against Oxfordshire County Council's decision to allow a 29,570sqm industrial/ commercial development to be built on top of Faringdon's "scientifically priceless" Site of Special Scientific interest.

We believe this decision is unlawful, as well as being a desecration of a unique natural environment.

The Midvale Ridge was formed by a fossilised coral reef. Today it is a National Character Area with a wealth of rare plants and habitats and specialised wetlands.

Wicklesham Quarry is its most outstanding feature. It is one of the UK's most important Sites of Special Scientific Interest, a 'type site' and Geological Conservation Review Series Site, listed in 1950.

Wicklesham's biodiversity is linked to the deep Faringdon Sponge Gravels, which contain an unconfined aquifer. Its fluctuating ponds and regular flooding support insects, birds, bats, amphibians and terrestrial mammals - over 30 Priority Species.

The SSSI has numerous species of fossils that are found nowhere else in the world. 'Faringdon fossils' are central to the history and identity of where we live: the Midvale Ridge, and part of our national scientific heritage. Both Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin helped to make them famous.

Please support our challenge against Oxfordshire County Council's decision in the High Court by making a donation to our legal costs. We CAN prevent Wicklesham Quarry and the Midvale Ridge being concreted over for housing and commercial development with your help. Thankyou!

Get in touch at contactFOWQ@gmail.com