New rewilding areas are being identified across South Kesteven to enable pockets of land to go back to nature.
Trials at Tattershall Drive, Market Deeping, Rutland Heights in Stamford, and at Queen Elizabeth Park in Grantham have shown the way to restore, protect and increase local biodiversity.
South Kesteven District Council is to approach parish councils and its own ward members to identify pockets of land in public open spaces that could benefit from an extension of the existing project.
Cabinet Member for Environment and Waste, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “Rewilding is a process that allows nature to take back control and, as tall grasses and other plant species grow, this in turn encourages wildlife, insects, birds and mammals. Over time we anticipate that more species move in to create a balanced natural environment, as well as some welcome colour.
“The idea is that these areas would receive minimum essential maintenance and be allowed to grow as nature intended. Not everywhere is appropriate for this, as we need to take into account the recreation use of green space and safety aspects too.
“We hope to be able to offer advice, seeds and trees for areas nominated for the project, as in Tattershall Road, Market Deeping, where a bund was created and planted with wildflowers and grasses, with trees set nearby.
“We hope that people will be able to learn more about their natural environment through these areas where we can re-connect people with nature at minimal cost.”
SKDC’s commitment to increase wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity is a key strand of the Council’s Corporate Plan, which seeks a Sustainable South Kesteven and following the declaration of a Climate Emergency, states: “We will protect and enhance the natural environment and wildlife habitats, working to actively restore and rehabilitate damaged eco-systems.”
New locations will now be identified with guidance from SKDC ward members, parish councils, and the Council’s Sustainability and Climate Change team and its grounds maintenance staff.
Community rewilding is already starting to bloom at the three key locations where proactive work has already taken place.
Tattershall Drive, Market Deeping, is blooming thanks to an area which is building a sustainable balance between recreational use and conservation in a public open space.
There are more sites throughout the district, including the Foxglove Road playing field at Rutland Heights in Stamford, which has been allowed to go back to nature. Grasses and other plants flourish there as a haven for wildlife, insects, birds and mammals.
In Grantham, the rewilding location is part of the Blue Green environmental project in Queen Elizabeth Park, to restore and reconnect the river and river corridors through the urban area of Grantham.
Each site is marked with an information board advising the public why some strips and pockets of open space are left unmown, and to ask people to refrain from walking on the natural environment.
Enquiries about the project should be emailed to climatechange@southkesteven.gov.uk
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