Park improvements benefit visitors and nature
Park improvements are benefiting residents and nature in Blaby District thanks to an injection of cash from central Government.
Blaby District Council successfully applied for UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to improve some of its most popular open spaces.
The money, £133,000, has allowed the Council to focus on boosting biodiversity and nurturing nature at Countesthorpe Park as well as revamp footpaths on other green spaces.
The need to enhance the ecology at Countesthorpe was identified in the authority’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, formally adopted in 2024.
As part of the agreed management plan, the park’s balancing pools have been fenced off. These are now designated nature zones where pond life, wildfowl and other animals can thrive without disturbance.
Drainage is being improved with any ground damage to be repaired on completion of the works. Soil replacement and seeding will take place later.
The top field is seeing new sapling planting and is temporarily cordoned off until the trees are more established.
Works at other green spaces have also taken place with footpath widening at The Osiers in Braunstone. The new path has been raised to prevent it becoming boggy in wet weather.
Crow Mills in Countesthorpe has seen footpath replacement while similar refurbishment is planned for paths at Whistle Way in Narborough.
Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "Ensuring our Council-run public green spaces are maintained and enhanced for the good of residents and nature is at the heart of our Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.
"We are committed to keeping them safe, accessible and inclusive, recognising what an important part they play in residents’ lives. We also realise they are a vital oasis for our declining, native wildlife. So, we are delighted this funding is allowing us to deliver significant improvements for both residents and for flora and fauna."
He added: "Our new footpaths will ensure our green spaces are accessible year-round for our residents to enjoy. Equally as important though is the designation of Countesthorpe’s ponds as protected nature zones. This is not only to protect and encourage wildlife but prevent dangerous behaviour.
"Over the years we have received many complaints about unauthorised fishing, with litter and discarded hooks and line, which is not only unsightly but hazardous. There have also been issues with dogs in the water disturbing wildfowl and unaccompanied children in the water during the summer holidays, which again is hazardous.
"Despite putting up signs and site monitoring nothing seemed to deter this, to the detriment of the wildlife. At least now the wildlife can come and go in peace while visitors can still enjoy the beauty of the park."
Councillor Nigel Grundy
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets