Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is excited to announce the next phase of the "Biodiversity for All" programme, which will see major biodiversity improvements at Priory Park and Hill Rise Park.
Funded by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, this initiative aims to increase biodiversity. The works are set to begin in the first week of November 2024 and will be completed by March 2025.
The Biodiversity for All project is a key element of HDC’s Climate Strategy, Action Plan, and Corporate Plan, which commit to delivering the Plan for Nature. These efforts are part of HDC's long-term commitment to promoting biodiversity, supporting local wildlife and enhancing the natural environment for the benefit of current and future generations.
At Priory Park in St Neots, the project will focus on expanding and improving woodland areas, developing wildflower meadows and enhancing water flow through the site's ditches. These actions will help create a more vibrant and diverse ecosystem. In addition, the installation of deadwood areas and bug hotels will provide vital habitats for invertebrates, further encouraging biodiversity. The restoration of the park's pond will improve the area's natural beauty and offer visitors closer interaction with local wildlife.
Hill Rise in St Ives will also benefit from a series of enhancements designed to foster a thriving natural environment. Key works include the establishment of a mixed scrub buffer, the planting of a new cherry orchard and the conversion of modified grassland into species-rich neutral grassland. Additionally, a new hedgerow will be introduced along the southern boundary, ensuring habitat continuity and supporting local biodiversity. New tree plantings will further enhance the site, providing homes for various species and improving the green infrastructure of the area.
This comprehensive effort highlights the district’s commitment to promoting biodiversity and improving the quality of natural spaces. By focusing on sustainable habitat creation and restoration, this project will help safeguard Huntingdonshire’s wildlife and natural landscapes for future generations.
Executive Councillor for Parks and Countryside, Waste and Street Scene, Cllr Simone Taylor, said: "We are thrilled to be moving forward with the next stages of work at Priory Park and Hill Rise Park. These improvements will put biodiversity and nature at the core of our communities, enhancing local green spaces for both current and future generations. This progress follows valuable community engagement, ensuring that local voices have shaped the vision for these open spaces."
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Mayor, Dr Nik Johnson, said: "It’s great to see our biodiversity efforts coming to life – this is exactly the kind of action we need to achieve our vision of doubling natural green-spaces and areas of rich wildlife. This is a real win for an impressive partnership which puts nature at the heart of our community and ambitions for economic growth, paving the way for a greener and more resilient Cambridgeshire and Peterborough."
The biodiversity improvements at Priory Park and Hill Rise Park are scheduled for completion by March 2025. For more information about the Biodiversity for All programme or to learn how you can get involved, please visit our Biodiversity for All pages.