The project will bring nature and wildlife to the doorsteps of people living in this new housing estate who may not have the opportunity to travel to green spaces outside of the city.
New project highlights wildlife in the city
Residents in Kingsway are helping to create an Urban Nature Reserve with support from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and the National Lottery.
There is great enthusiasm among residents to improve existing green spaces so they are better for wildlife, and are places that local people can enjoy. This urban nature reserve will have a positive impact on local people’s health and wellbeing.Urban Wildlife Manager at Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust
Nicky, along with other specialists from Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, is working with the Kingsway Wildlife and Sustainability Group to bring the vision to life. During a ‘wildlife detective day’ participants discovered that hedgehogs, a variety of butterflies (including gatekeepers, marbled whites and small skippers), pipistrelle bats and great crested newts are already present.
A number of activities have already been carried out, including planting of wild flowers, litter picking, a tree walk and evening wildlife walk. Because it is now known that hedgehogs are in the area, volunteers are working with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust to monitor these much-loved but vulnerable creatures.
To become involved with the project and to find out about events, email info@gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk or call 01452 383333.
The Kingsway Nature Reserve is benefiting from £10,000 of National Lottery funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), £5,000 from Gloucester City Council towards tree planting, and £5,000 from Gloucestershire County Council’s Growing Our Communities Fund.