Date: 07/11/2008
High Peak Borough Council has received a grant of £8,300 from the Derbyshire Aggregate Levy Grant Scheme (DALGS) for supporting the development and public enjoyment of the Borough's newest nature reserve at Ferneydale Grassland, in Buxton.
The Council owns the land and we have declared Ferneydale Grassland a local nature reserve in the summer, setting it aside for the benefit of local people and protection of the plants and wildlife.
The money received from the Local Area Agreement Board and administered by Derbyshire Environmental Trust, as part of the DALGS, and an additional £1,500 from the Council's own Going Local grants programme, will be used to improve the nature reserve so more people can enjoy the area.
The improvements will include new fencing and an entrance gate. We will also install two benches and create a good pathway through the site, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, in response to requests from users of the reserve.
Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has agreed to hold a number of education sessions, at the nature reserve, for children from Harpur Hill Primary School, and to lead nature walks for the local community.
John Haken, Executive Councillor for the Environment, said: "The Council is committed to protecting our environment and enhancing it for the benefit of residents. Thanks to the funding from Derbyshire Environmental Trust, people in Buxton will be able to enjoy the plants and wildlife at Ferneydale."
Volunteers will help to manage the site and anyone interested in getting involved with environmental work, such as tree planting and shrub-clearing, is welcome to get in touch with the Council at customer-services@highpeak.gov.uk. Alternatively, they can contact Joanna Bagnall, environmental planning officer, on 0845 129 7777 extension 3704.
