New biodiversity report
Blaby District Council is carrying out a range of practical actions to support biodiversity across its own parks, open spaces and nature areas.
The authority’s first statutory Enhanced Biodiversity Duty Report sets out steps taken to improve habitats on land in the Council’s care. These include meadow-style grass management, wildflower planting, hedge-laying and, where appropriate, reducing pesticide use.
Linking to the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy and supporting the Blaby District Plan priority of ‘maintaining and enhancing the natural and built environment’, the report was accepted by members of the Cabinet Executive before being submitted to Whitehall as part of the new enhanced biodiversity duty, introduced by the Environment Act 2021.
The duty requires public authorities in England to consider how biodiversity can be improved on suitable areas of land as part of normal activities. Authorities must set objectives, take reasonable action and report on progress every five years.
The Council’s actions focus mainly on small, clearly defined areas within existing parks, open spaces and nature sites. These have been chosen due to their suitability for habitat management and wildlife improvement. The measures sit alongside the Council’s wider responsibilities and other uses of land.
The report highlights management activity on the following sites:
Countesthorpe Country Park: Both ponds have been fenced off and designated as nature zones. Surrounding fields are now managed as meadow, cut only at the beginning and end of the growing season. Several smaller areas have also been planted and fenced.
Copt Oak: Sections of woodland have been enhanced with plugs, bulbs, and wildflowers. The adjacent field is maintained as meadow, with seasonal cuts, and paths are mown monthly for access.
The Osiers Nature Area: Parts of the woodland and pond have been fenced off and designated as nature zones, with reduced grass cutting across the site.
Whistle Meadows and Sapcote Pit: These sites have been left to naturally rewild.
Huncote Leisure Centre (rear fields): Areas have been left for rewilding, with mown paths to maintain safe public access. Wildflower seed has also been introduced in selected locations.
Glen Hills Nature Area: Fields are managed as meadow with seasonal cutting, and access paths are maintained through monthly mowing.
Fosse Meadows: Large areas of woodland, riverbanks, and the lake have been fenced off to create dedicated nature zones. The reserve is now managed by not-for-profit organisation Green Circle.
Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: "I’m pleased to see this report highlight the steps we have taken to enhance biodiversity across our own parks and nature areas. Work has included new management plans for 10 strategic sites, creating nature zones in parks and open spaces and offering funding under our Capital Green Grant Scheme. This scheme has helped organisations create ponds, community and wildflower gardens, as well as install bird and bat boxes. Our aim is to continue to support wildlife and boost biodiversity through such initiatives."
Councillor Nigel Grundy
Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets