Launch of re-wilding project in Stamford

Two pockets of land on the Foxglove Road playing field are being allowed to go back to nature as part of SKDC’s commitment to increase wildlife habitat and improve biodiversity.

The Foxglove Road area, where new play equipment will be installed later this year, is the second council re-wilding site to be announced as part of a district-wide trial launched in Market Deeping last week. Two further sites are planned for Bourne and Grantham.

Coun Dr Peter Moseley, Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations said: “With the new play equipment going in, this will be a great opportunity for children to learn more about nature and we shall put up signage to show what to look for.

“They can see how grasses and other plants flourish as a haven for wildlife, insects, birds and mammals. It will take at least two years for these areas to establish and I would ask people to stay off them and give nature a chance.”

SKDC Stamford St John’s ward councillor Susan Sandall and Stamford town councillor Bob Sandall were shown the areas for re-wilding and met the Heights of Play Scheme (HOPS) residents’ group chairman Nikki Howson, and vice-chairman Denise Jacobi.

Nikki Howson said: “We really support this idea and I think it make the whole area much more user-friendly. The re-wilding is going to add some interest and colour to the site for the whole community and work well alongside our play equipment.”

Coun Dr Moseley added: “Increased biodiversity is a key contributor to the health of our communities and the whole district. We are not doing this to save money but to re-connect people with nature at minimal cost.

“Not all areas are right for re-wilding. We have chosen sites carefully as part of maintaining our green space to high standards and we do have the option of cutting them back if they become too overgrown.”