Stratford-upon-Avon’s new local nature reserve is officially opened
TURNING a former tip in Stratford into a nature reserve was always going to be a tricky business.
Especially when the land had been reclaimed by nature – and claimed by a dedicated group of people who wanted that nature protected and undisturbed by more human intrusion.
The Riverside Project has travelled from concept to a revised and revamped concept via protest, campaigns, concerns and onto rather expensive reclamation work.
However, the joint project between Stratford Town Trust and Stratford District Council yesterday (Wednesday) reached a new stage with the land, which runs from Fisherman’s car park alongside the River Avon to behind the Crowne Plaza hotel, was given its official name and status: Stratford-upon-Avon Local Nature Reserve.
The nature reserve part brings forward better protection and management of the area, the name brings forward a few more cries of indignation – the area has become known as Lench Meadows and there was an expectation the site would become the Lench Meadows Local Nature Reserve.
The Friends of Lench Meadow, the group which has campaigned against many of the changes and added elements as well as seeking expert advice on the rubbish and asbestos which were found on the ground after some of the work, was unimpressed.
It created a poll on its Facebook page to gauge reaction to the new name. That attracted 122 votes against the change and 27 in favour.
The theory behind the new name, the Herald was told, was to give it a strong identity and link with the town – it is after all just a few minutes stroll from the centre of Stratford.
At the Crowne Plaza Tony Jackson, chairman of the trust, thanked everyone involved in the project, including volunteers and Warwickshire Wildlife Trust.
He said: “Local nature reserve declaration ensures protection of the land from future development, supports biodiversity and will protect and encourage a wide range of species and habitats.
“The area is a great resource for local people, enabling them to get closer to nature on their doorstep using the fully accessible circular walk, including new and accessible bridges.” He added: “The work has resulted in an area people of Stratford can be proud of.”
Leader of SDC, Cllr Susan Juned (Lib Dem) was given the job of officially declaring the nature reserve open.
She said: “With this designation we need to ensure this area will properly managed and supported, and I do know from my own experience just how valuable local nature reserves are and just what good work volunteers do to help and what an important part they play.
“We can ensure that this site encourages and gives a home to so much wildlife and so many different habitats and species and is valued by the people of Stratford.”
The biggest achievement of the Riverside Project is undoubtedly the major improvements in access for people in wheelchairs and people with pushchairs. The old humpback bridge has been replaced with an easily accessible structure that leads onto new, wider paths around the site.
That work started earlier this year, funded with a grant of £1.5m from the government’s Getting Building Fund, via the Coventry and Warwickshire LEP, as well as money from the trust and council.
Other changes included a new path from Stratford Leisure Centre car park and accessible seating as well as landscape and habitat work, such as pond restoration, tree maintenance, the creation of reed beds and wildflower mounds.
While the trust and council often found little to agree on with the campaigners, they were all aligned with the aim of getting the area local nature reserve status. That has now been achieved. The next step include delivering the ecological management of the site and setting up a board to oversee the process.
As previously reported by the Herald, the long-term funding for the management of the reserve will be funded through the Biodiversity Net Gain scheme… with the Friends of Lench Meadows (assuming no name change their end) keeping an ever-watchful eye on the area and its wildlife.
Yesterday the group posted: “On the day that the area is formally opened as a local nature reserve, the Friends of Lench Meadows (FLM) would take this opportunity to applaud the efforts of everyone who worked towards this outcome.
“A little over three years ago an initial plan that would essentially have seen the area become an extension of the ‘Rec’ as ‘semi-formal parkland’ with various incongruous features included (leading to it being dubbed ‘Disney-on-Avon’ by some) was announced.
“A public outcry ensued, and, despite being subjected to occasional ridicule from some sectors, the cajoling, pestering and scrutineering skills of certain members of this group contributed in no small part to the radical changing of the plans. Almost 2,500 signed a petition against the earliest plans and, thankfully, a vast increase to the size of the Fisherman’s car park and various other overbearing elements of it were abandoned. Now, hope exists that the wild essence of the area can remain largely intact.
“FLM welcomes the outcome and looks forward to working with the landlords to maintain the area as a haven for the vast array of wildlife that have traditionally been found here, while also allowing increased and responsible human access to this peaceful sanctuary.”
