Community Nature Spaces and Green Corridors
Monmouthshire Local Nature Partnership developed the Community Nature Spaces and Green Corridors project to deliver resilient transformation in green spaces. The LNP created assets, expanded existing natural capital, and significantly enhanced green spaces. Machinery to facilitate the sustainable change of management has been an important part of this.
The project set out to deliver nature on the doorstep through the enhancement of green corridors and creation of community nature spaces alongside improved sustainable management of greenspaces for people and wildlife.
A Green Corridors assessment of Monmouthshire settlements was undertaken as part of an earlier, separately funded project to identify opportunities to improve nature resilience and green infrastructure.
The information from this report, alongside early consultation, formed the basis for site selection in Year 1. Landscape architects were engaged to provide technical support including drawings for consultation and landscaping specifications. In year 2 the projects were more closely steered by community groups that wanted enhancements in their areas. Sites were checked for suitability and designs co-produced.
Extensive consultation with local people allowed each space to be designed based on the current wants and needs for the area, the project initially focused on more deprived areas of our towns connecting people who may not have previously had access to or awareness of local nature. They also looked at areas that were less deprived but where the community was keen and supportive of action for nature.
Over the project period, the LNP delivered 15.5 Ha of enhancement through Green Corridors and Community Nature Spaces across over 40 sites. This included-
Overall, the project enhanced over 40 sites for biodiversity totalling approximately 15.5ha. The main component of site enhancement has been native seeding and planting to increase native wildflower habitats, with native seed, wildflower turf, spring bulbs & summer wildflower plugs, to support pollinators throughout the year. They have planted Welsh Heritage Fruit Trees, Specimen Trees, Hedgerows. They found places for Bug hotels, hedgehog homes, Bird and Bat boxes. They also provided new benches for the community to enjoy these new habitats.
Changes in management of green spaces has been facilitated by the change of machinery, and an end point for grass cuttings (mulcher and composting) has also enabled sustainable change.
It was important to the LNP to work with Community and Town Councils, and local community groups on the design of the biodiversity enhancements to local green spaces. This meant that the community had an investment in continuing to maintain these green spaces after the project period. Local groups included the Rotary Volunteers who manage the Usk Arboretum, and Please Eat the Garden (PEG) volunteer group, who helped co-design and install some raised vegetable beds. The LNP was also able to provide habitat and site infrastructure at Mardy Recreation Field, Abergavenny for Mardy Roots gardening club, and Llantilio Pertholey Community Council.
This project has provided opportunities for primary schools and gardening volunteers to help with enhancement of green spaces outside their school sites, on local green spaces to understand the significance of green corridors for wildlife. e.g. Rogiet, Goetre Fawr and Cantref Primary schools helping with plug planting at sites in their communities.
Monmouthshire Council’s Green Infrastructure team are continuing to deliver deliver practical habitat volunteer days in schools, to teach children about the importance of pollinators.
Responding to a survey about the project, a Raglan resident said: ‘I think it is so important to provide green corridors for nature to flourish. We put far too many obstacles in place - busy roadways, fenced in gardens, removing vital hedgerows. Our wildlife needs more consideration and respect from us - or we will lose many species that were once commonplace. This project is a step in the right direction.’
Zoe, from Mardy Roots Growing Club, said: ‘Working with Jane through the Local Places for Nature project has been fantastic. A local desire for more wildlife friendly planting and enhanced green space had already been identified and the extra help came at a crucial point. What was previously just mown grass is now a lovely mix of trees and flowers to frame the view and there's been so much positive local feedback and teamwork. Really great support, thank you!’
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