Grantham park to play educational role

Schools are being encouraged to use one of South Kesteven District Council’s Grantham parks as an outdoor classroom.

The move is connected to a series of improvements at Queen Elizabeth Park.

 SKDC is working with the park’s Friends group to encourage members of the community to play their part in the park’s development, provide volunteering opportunities and install new interpretation and information boards. Details of how to help will be posted on the Friends’ Facebook page.

They have also been working with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust on projects to enhance the variety of plant and animal life in the park.

Scything days will be held throughout the year, which anyone can attend to learn the skills involved. There will also be wildflower seed sowing and seed harvesting activities, while in July there are plans for a two-day event across both Wyndham Park and Queen Elizabeth Park offering an insight into the world of dragonflies and damselflies.

SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, said: “We want to create a more natural landscape that develops a link between the needs of both wildlife and people.

“As a result of our work with Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust and volunteers, from March visitors will see a less formal grass-cutting regime and the creation of wildflower meadows with cut grass paths.”

Park paths have already been upgraded, a carpark provided, picnic tables, benches and litter bins installed and fishing platforms replaced.

Queen Elizabeth Park was created in 1980 when Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, celebrated her 80^th birthday. To mark the occasion 80 trees were planted by local school children.