Looking After Lollycocks

 

Blue Green Corridor work for wildlife completed at Lollycocks Field

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The Looking after Lollycocks project was one of four schemes aimed at improving connectivity for wildlife and providing better access and enjoyment of blue green spaces in the town of Sleaford. It was all part of the £1.29 million Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project, a partnership scheme of work funded by the European Regional Development Fund, South Kesteven District Council, North Kesteven District Council, Environment Agency, and National Trust and designed to restore and reconnect the river and its corridors through the urban reaches of Grantham and Sleaford.

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The Looking after Lollycocks scheme aimed to improve ecology on the site, off Eastgate Road, in various ways including:

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• Planting a hedgerow boundary between Lollycocks Field and the slope up to Eastgate Road to provide more habitat for bird and insects.

• Refurbishing the scrape located on the site to help it retain water for wildlife including insects, invertebrates and amphibians.

• Developing two smaller scrapes for the same purpose.

• Undertaking marginal works around the pond edge for better access by wildlife and to manage plant species invasively outcompeting others.

• Neutral and fen grassland management to enhance the grasslands located on the site, helping boost biodiversity and its ability to capture carbon.

• Increasing wildflowers on the site as a food source for pollinators.

• Woodland management allowing sunlight to reach more ground-growing plants.

• Habitat creation for birds, bats, small mammals, invertebrates, and amphibians including installation of bird, bat and owl boxes.

• Extending the existing boardwalk to protect ground vegetation and animals.

• Community engagement on the site including volunteering opportunities and education for young people using the works carried out on the site.

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An early meadow cut and dead-hedging took place in late March through to April, followed by construction of the extended boardwalk, installation of new information boards and the installation of two new scrapes. The construction of a new kingfisher nesting bank was also completed.

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North Kesteven District Council owns Lollycocks Field and oversees its maintenance for the benefit of wildlife and the enjoyment and wellbeing of local communities. Hill Holt Wood secured the tender to complete the Looking after Lollycocks Field works, and carried these works out over a nine month period. As part of the works, Hill Holt Wood engaged with the local community, school groups and volunteer groups by offering opportunities for them to assist in the effort to complete conservation activities on site. Included was a chance to see and learn about traditional skills, crafts and methods of management and helping the local community understand the importance of looking after green spaces such as Lollycocks Field.

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THE COMMUNITY WAS INVOLVED, THE SITE WAS IMPROVED AND BIODIVERSITY WILL THRIVE

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The Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project consists of 14 projects split into two schemes; Blue Green Corridor Witham which comprises of 10 projects along the River Witham running through Grantham, and Blue Green Corridor Slea with its four projects along the River Slea in Sleaford.For more information about the Witham/Slea Blue Green Corridor Project, visit www.withamsleabluegreencorridor.co.uk