New Wildlife Area for Derby!
Derwent Green Gym are reinvigorating a tired and forgotten strip of land at one edge of the well-used and cared for Little Chester Allotments. The land is 1.3 acres in size and was formally used as additional allotment plots. For a number of years they have been standing empty and have become overgrown with brambles and covered in discarded rubbish.
With generous funding from the Big Lottery fund through the Breathing Places campaign the Derwent Green Gym are now turning it into a haven for both people and wildlife, putting in wheelchair-friendly paths, creating three wildlife ponds, planting trees, installing seating and information as well as planting up a large area using locally-sourced wildflower meadow seed.
Amazingly all of the work is being done by volunteers and students. Coming from all backgrounds and ages the volunteers include BTCV’s Biodiversity Action Team, the Derbyshire Conservation Volunteers, green gym volunteers, Derby NVQ students studying Environmental Conservation, students from Merril College, St Giles Special School as well as allotment plot holders and numerous others.
The project has been guided by BTCV, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, and Derby City Council. They have helped to design the area and apply for funding. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s ‘Valuing Meadows’ project has been able to supply the project with not only advice and a soil survey but also Derbyshire-grown meadow seed.
The aim of the project is to create a small haven for the plot holders to enjoy and to allow people to contribute towards improving conditions for wildlife in Derby City. Open days will allow members of the public to enjoy the site or they can get involved by joining a Green Gym session (Tues, Wed or Fri from 10 am)
There are numerous tasks to be completed on the site and the heavy work has already begun. We are looking now for people who may want to give a couple of hours to lend a hand.