Tamworth nature reserve in £38,000 conservation project

By pkemp

A NATURE reserve has been transformed to create new habitats for wildlife in a £38,000 conservation project.

Landscaping works have been carried out at Tameside Local Nature Reserve (LNR) off Fazeley Road, Tamworth, to create a 'perfect habitat for a host of birds, mammals, insects, amphibians and fish'.

During the project, the lake at the former gravel pit was connected to the River Tame via a new open channel, the steep riverbank was turned into a gently sloping bank, and nine new ponds and scrapes were created.

It was completed by Tamworth Borough Council, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency and Tameside Wildlife Conservation Group.

The aim was to improve the habitat of the river for wildlife, including declining wading birds such as lapwing and snipe, and the river's fish-holding capacity.

A Staffordshire Wildlife Trust spokesman said: "The link between the river and the lake will allow a more natural fish population to develop in both, and act as a refuge for fish during a pollution incident or high river levels,"

"The work has also created safer access for people down to the water's edge. People are now less likely to fall in and anyone who does will be able to get out much more easily."

Work began in the middle of November and was carried out by the Environment Agency's Operations Team, which worked on through the rain and snow to complete the project.

Chris Farmer, Environment Agency biodiversity officer, said: "We are delighted with how well the project has gone, and would like to thank our partners and local residents for their support during the work.

"Over the next year or so we expect to see an increase in the species and habitats found at the site.

"Enhancements at Tameside are a part of a long-term plan we have for the Tame corridor to link wildlife sites and improve river habitat for the fish, so there will be more in the river in the future."

Kath Stapley, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's Wild about Tamworth officer, added: "The Environment Agency has done a fantastic job at Tameside Local Nature Reserve, working in all weathers to achieve what we'd all planned.

"Over the next few months Tameside Wildlife Conservation Group will have a huge amount of work to do, planting trees and reeds to further improve the site."

Tamworth Borough Council deputy leader Jeremy Oates said the reserve was a "valuable local facility".

He said: "The area has always been very beautiful, but the work recently carried out has made a massive improvement to both the visual look of the area and the natural habitat."

Future plans for the site include interpretation boards, boardwalks and benches, so that visitors can find out more about the wildlife on the reserve and gain better access.

The whole project cost around £38,500 – £18,500 came from Tamworth Borough Council and the remaining £20,000 came from the Environment Agency.

For further information or to get involved with the project contact Kath Stapley, Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, on 07970 067711, or e-mail k.stapley@staffs-wildlife .org.uk.