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Northamptonshire
We have many projects for wildlife and communities in Northamptonshire. Here are two examples of our work and how we are achieving the Big Vision here.
Northamptonshire
Project: Nene Valley Vision
County: Northamptonshire
Area: Along the River Nene between Northampton and Peterborough
Habitats: Former gravel workings, wet woodland, riverbank, meadows
Key species: Golden plover, barn owl, otter
Teeming flocks of golden birds converge on small gravel islands in the middle of the lake. Nearby, colourful flocks of ducks make the water ripple as they take flight. Overhead a peregrine falcon is hunting and back at the surface an otter quietly emerges onto the riverbank. This isn't a scene from a nature documentary, but an everyday example of the wildlife that exists in the bustling, densely-developed Nene Valley.
With many people living here and many more planned to arrive, you would think there is little room for wildlife. However, the valley is so good for wildlife it is proposed as a Special Protection Area, which puts it on the same par as such exciting sites as the Danube Delta in Romania! The Wildlife Trust is leading the way in securing land and engaging with existing and new communities to ensure a future for wildlife and a high quality environment for people in the Nene Valley.
The Trust manages over a dozen sites along the river; some large, frequently visited havens, such as Summer Leys, near Wellingborough, and some tiny gems, protecting valuable wildlife from the pressures around. By safeguarding the land, creating corridors along which wildlife can move, and engaging with local people, the Trust can provide a future for wildlife in the valley.
Project: Lings Local Nature Reserve Project
County: Northamptonshire
Area: Northampton
Habitats: Heathland, woodland
Key species: Wild service tree, wood anemone, pignut
In the heart of Northampton lies Lings Local Nature Reserve, a haven for wildlife in a built-up area. This was formerly a heathland with a variety of species of plants and animals. Many trees not native to this area were planted, such as conifers and sweet chestnut, which unfortunately destroyed much of the site. This has happened to much of Northamptonshire's heathland and very little remains.
The Wildlife Trust, with the help of local people, is undertaking a project to open up the site to the community and begin a process of restoring the heathland. This involves removing some of the alien conifers so that the heathland plants can recolonise the land.
Wildlife Trust staff are working with the community to create a network of wildlife discovery trails and paths through the site, so that people can explore safely and easily. This is part of our wider education and community work throughout the local area. Through inspiring people about the natural world, we can help to safeguard it for the future.
Make Smart Savings now:
Find out more about The Wildlife Trusts work across the Eastern Region: Our Big Vision
Visit the website of The Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Northamptonshire and Peterborough.
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