Wild Ground are pleased to announce that the Lane End nature reserve has officially been transferred to their ownership.

The Lane End nature reserve can be found in Buckley alongside Redrow’s Heathlands residential development.

 

Wild Ground a North Wales based conservation charity, started working on the site over a decade ago. The site and its surrounds were purchased by Redrow Homes NW to transform it into a development of over 300 houses.

When the site was first purchased Redrow instructed The Environment Partnership (TEP) to design and implement a detailed restoration scheme for the site. Utilising Wild Ground’s services Redrow and TEP were able to regenerate the former industrial space and establish biodiverse habitats alongside the housing development. The Lane End reserve was planted with oaks, heather, silver birch, hazel, willow, rowan and bilberry and forty-five were waterbodies created and configured on the site.

Since the completion of the residential development in 2017 and the conclusion of TEP’s work Wild Ground have continued to manage the site. Undertaking tasks such as habitat enhancement and creation, enhancement and development of eco-systems and biodiversity, management of habitats for the benefit of amphibians, reptiles and wildlife, and the annual site surveys for amphibians and reptiles.

Now that the site has been officially transferred to the ownership of Wild Ground they will continue the work ensuring the site can thrive. Supporting the current ecological needs of the site Wild Ground aim to ensure all work carried out benefits the site and community now and for future generations. 

The project illustrates the benefits of residential developers working together with ecologists to manage large-scale reclamation project and create a sustainable ecosystem. Jason Newton, managing director, Redrow NW commented

“Working with Wild Ground at Lane End has been hugely beneficial on all fronts. The landscaping, ponds, wildlife and ecological improvements, funded by Redrow through its Heathlands housing development, are now being looked after by experts and they will ensure the long-term legacy of the site for wildlife.

“This project demonstrates how new housing developments can provide places for both nature and people to thrive. The nature reserve at Heathlands offers an abundance of new habitats for wildlife as well a place that residents and the wider community can enjoy.” –

To find out more about Wild Ground and the work they undertake across North Wales visit www.wild-ground.org.uk or find them on social media.

Pictured Jason Newton Managing Director, Redrow NW and Karen Balmer CEO Wild Ground