A new biodiversity project has launched in South Kesteven to help parish and town councils turn areas all shades of green through proactive rewilding.
South Kesteven District Council is looking to support rewilding initiatives to improve the green infrastructure and maintain new public open spaces.
The Make Space for Nature scheme will fund 100% of all project costs for successful bidders.
SKDC has asked parish councils and town councils to come forward with plans it can provide financial support to.
Cabinet member for Environment, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “Altering our approach to the management of open spaces can provide better habitats for wildlife, improve biodiversity and increase amenity value. This work also supports pollinator populations and local wildlife, offering a genuine opportunity to encourage engagement with nature recovery.
“These projects need to be community-led and meet the needs of our towns and villages. This initiative is not an attempt to return every patch of green space back to nature, but to enhance forgotten corners identified by local people.
“We also emphasise balance. We realise that open spaces are excellent places for people to join together to instigate and grow a variety of grass, wildflower and tree species, and to use these areas as a focal point for community activities.
“Public spaces are important for dog walking, leisure, sport and other community activities. As such, our rewilding efforts are being carefully trialled to gauge public support and test practical impacts.”
The council already has its own areas of rewilding – at Tattershall Drive in Market Deeping, Rutland Heights in Stamford, and at Queen Elizabeth Park in Grantham – which have shown the way to successfully restore, protect and increase local biodiversity.
Make Space for Nature has been made possible through South Kesteven District Council following a successful bid to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund for Green Space Improvement.
There are two deadlines for parish and town council applications: 28th October and 16th December.
They must show their ability to successfully implement measures that will benefit local wildlife and contribute to the sustainability, vitality and wellbeing of the communities of South Kesteven.
A helpful guide, the Rewilding Menu, has been produced to provide a comprehensive overview of what can be achieved. It includes guidance and indicative costings for a wide range of biodiversity and rewilding focused projects to suit all areas and landscapes.
Potential projects must fall within South Kesteven and land must be owned by the town or parish applying, or SKDC. Applications will be assessed following the closing dates.