LOCAL NATURE AREA – OFFICIAL OPENING

The new Glen Parva Local Nature Reserve was officially opened on 17^th November 2010.

The 27 acre plot of land in Glen Parva is home to an array of wild flowers and creatures such as the green woodpecker, meadow pipit, dragonflies, butterflies and voles.

The move to get the site listed as a local nature reserve was a result of a collaboration between Leicestershire County, Blaby District and Glen Parva Parish Council and was co-ordinated by the County Hall based Stepping Stones Project, which aims to improve green spaces.

The declaration was made in consultation with Natural England – an independent public body whose purpose is to protect and improve England's natural environment and encourage people to enjoy and get involved in their surroundings.

The move means that the site, which is close to the Grand Union canal and near Dorothy Avenue Playing Field, will be protected from development and the wildlife and natural features will be preserved.

It contains unimproved grassland habitat, which is part of what was once a country-wide network of hay meadows and unimproved pasture.

The Parish Council continues to work with Blaby District Council and the County Council about the on going management of the Local Nature Reserve site.

A team of local volunteers continue to provide valuable support and assistance in this process.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SITE

Since acquisition, Glen Parva Parish Council have the installed new signage, benches and interpretation lecterns to the Local Nature Reserve Site.

These improvements have been made possible due to the collaboration and partnership working between Glen Parva Parish Council, Blaby District Council, The Stepping Stones Project at Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council.

The signage included two new welcome signs, two noticeboards, two interpretation lecterns, two finger posts and two new benches. The benches were provided by Blaby District Council.

The 12 hectare site contains a fantastic mosaic of wildlife habitats from ponds and meadows to woodland and hedges.

It is home to an array of wild flowers and animals such as green woodpecker, meadow pipit, dragonflies and bats. With footpaths across the whole site it's a real gem on the doorstep of Glen Parva for everyone to explore.

Volunteers work hard to keep the woodland and surrounding area in good order for the public and wildlife. The work of the volunteers includes traditional methods of managing woodland such as coppicing, tree planting, path maintenance and wildflower planting.

Different parts of the reserves are owned by Glen Parva Parish Council, Blaby District Council, Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council. The Reserves' Working Group meets regularly to discuss the management and joint working and is represented by all owners of the site.

For further information about the site or about volunteering opportunities, please contact the Parish Council on 0116 2771450

Click the link above to see the frogs and toads that are living in the Local Nature Reserve Area.