Date: 21/04/2009
The Council declared its own land at Ferneydale Grassland, Buxton, a local nature reserve last summer; setting it aside for the benefit of local people and the protection of the plants and other wildlife found there.
The official opening of the Nature Reserve will take place on Thursday 23 April at 9.30am when Councillor Robin Baldry, Mayor of High Peak, will cut the ribbon. The event will be held at the site entrance, which is by the junction of Trent Avenue and Ferneydale Avenue, Harpur Hill, Buxton.
High Peak Borough Council received a grant of £8,300 from Derbyshire County Council, as part of the Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grant Scheme. With an additional grant of £1,500 from the Council's own Going Local grants programme, the money has been spent to deliver a major restoration programme for the nature reserve. Work has been carried out to improve the condition of the nature reserve and to help more people enjoy the area.
The Reserve has been cleared of inappropriate shrubs and native species planted in their place. A new path has been laid from the entrance of the Reserve onto the main site. The path is sufficiently wide and flat to be suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. An interpretation board and a new bench will be in place shortly.
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 County Council and money from the 'Going Local' scheme, people in Buxton and the High Peak will now have a dedicated place where they can enjoy plants and wildlife near to where they live."
The site is next to Harpur Hill Primary School and children from the school were invited to design the Nature Reserve's logo. The winning entry was submitted by Charlotte-Louise Brindley, aged 10. Her picture of an owl will be used on leaflets promoting the new Reserve and on the interpretation board. Designs from the 32 runners-up are also featured on the board. As part of her prize, Charlotte will also be Mayor for the day, accompanying Councillor Baldry on all his mayoral duties.