Ownership of a North Wales nature reserve, created as part of our Heathlands development in Buckley, has been passed over to conservation charity Wild Ground.
Lane End Nature Reserve has had its long-term legacy secured after ownership was officially transferred to Wild Ground, who have worked on regenerating the old industrial site – previously a derelict clay-pit and brickworks - for over a decade and will continue to manage it.
Although the project pre-dated the launch of our ‘Nature for People’ biodiversity strategy, it epitomises our approach perfectly.
Jason Newton, managing director for the North West explains: “Nature for People is based upon retaining and enhancing the natural environment around the homes we build, creating nature-rich spaces and helping residents to connect with nature which, in turn, boosts their health and wellbeing. Located next to the 300 new homes we built at Heathlands, the Lane End Nature Reserve is a perfect example of what we aim to achieve.
“The landscaping, ponds, wildlife and ecological improvements, funded by Redrow through our Heathlands development, are now being looked after by experts and they will ensure the long-term legacy of the site for wildlife. This project demonstrates how new housing developments can provide places for both nature and people to thrive.”
When we first purchased the site, we instructed The Environment Partnership (TEP) to design and implement a detailed restoration scheme to breathe new life into what was a derelict industrial site.
Utilising Wild Ground’s services, we were able to regenerate the circa 84-acre space and establish biodiverse habitats alongside the homes. The reserve was planted with oaks, heather, silver birch, hazel, willow, rowan and bilberry, and 45 wildlife ponds were created and configured on the site.
Since completion of the homes in 2017 and the conclusion of TEP’s work, Wild Ground has continued to manage the site, undertaking tasks such as habitat enhancement and creation, enhancement and development of eco-systems and biodiversity, and managing habitats for the benefit of amphibians, reptiles and wildlife.
The North Wales based Wild Ground charity works to engage, inspire and enthuse local communities to act together to protect wildlife, and enhance habitats and eco-systems.
Karen Balmer, CEO of Wild Ground, says: “Working in partnerships with developers, planners, local partners and stakeholders has allowed the creation of this nature reserve. This project illustrates the benefits of residential developers working together with ecologists to manage large-scale reclamation projects and create a sustainable ecosystem.”
To find out more about our work on connecting communities with nature click here: Nature For People | Redrow
To keep up to date with the nature reserve visit: www.wild-ground.org.uk
