European funding protects green space from development

Around £285,000 of funding from the England European Regional Development Fund, which is part of the European Structural and Investment Growth Programme, is helping to transform more than 90% of what was the Wolverhampton Environmental Centre, into a Local Nature Reserve (LNR).

The site is currently undergoing transformational work that will see large derelict glass houses, ancillary buildings and a bungalow removed and the site opened up to wildlife and then available to the public as a local resource, as part of the adjoining Smestow Valley LNR.

Cllr John Reynolds, the Cabinet Member for City Economy, said:”The vast majority of this site is being turned into a first-class managed public open space and nature reserve for residents and the wider public to enjoy in line with the Tettenhall Neighbourhood Plan.”

The work to improve the site will include woodland and pond management, meadow creation, improved car parking for walkers, a community garden, new entrances to the LNR from a local railway line pathway and new paths throughout the site to connect it to the wider Smestow Valley LNR.

The Council has partnered with the Wildlife Trust to carry out a green hay strew – which involves spreading hay from huge bales – all brought from a meadow in Birmingham – to sow wildflower seed and help to create a diverse and sustainable habitat for plant and insect life.

This change of use into an LNR is a legacy for local people and other visitors to enjoy. As Cllr Reynolds said:”Making this land a local nature reserve indefinitely will doubly protect it against being built on by developers and preserve it for future generations to enjoy.”