New project to help protect nature in Charnwood

A new project will ensure Charnwood will become an important haven for wildlife.

Charnwood Borough Council’s green spaces partner idverde and the RSPB have announced

The six-year project will see a dedicated member of the RSPB team based in Charnwood to work with idverde and residents help wildlife find a home and raise young across the borough.

Local volunteers and community groups will be encouraged to get involved with the project by discovering the local wildlife living in their neighbourhoods.

Cllr Leigh Harper-Davies, the Council’s lead member for major contracts said: “We’re looking forward to working with the RSPB and our green spaces partner idverde to deliver more wildlife friendly initiatives in the borough. Not only will it enhance what our parks and open spaces has to offer to the local wildlife, but it will also help residents discover the wildlife on their doorstep.

“I’d like to thank our partners idverde for choosing to bring their partnership with the RSPB to Charnwood and look forward to seeing how the project progresses.

The UK’s wildlife and plants are in decline and with four local nature reserves, over 200 local wildlife sites and 17 sites of special scientific interest in the borough, it is hoped Charnwood can play an important part in helping nature recover. 

Sarah Hughes-Clarke, idverde director leading on biodiversity, said: “We’re very proud of the work our dedicated colleagues do at Charnwood to help our local authority client keep their parks and countryside welcoming for nature and for people. 

“That’s why when the opportunity arose for us to partner with RSPB to provide a Community and Nature advisor, Charnwood was the perfect location. 

“The passion of Charnwood’s residents for their green spaces is just incredible, so we know this project will get off to a great start, and we’ll be supporting Charnwood’s communities along the way.”

Michael Copleston, at the RSPB, said: “Areas like Charnwood are becoming increasingly important for plants and wildlife, and this partnership will bring together a range of experts to work with local volunteers to ensure future generations will continue to enjoy the parks and green spaces where they live.

“So, it is really exciting that we will be working alongside idverde and Charnwood Borough Council to not only help wildlife thrive but also give people the tools they need so they can play their part too.”

To get involved or to find out more about the project please email charnwood@idverde.co.uk