North East Lincolnshire is set have a new Local Nature Reserve designated on grassland next to the River Freshney in the town’s Yarborough ward.
Known as Freshney Parkway, the new Local Nature Reserve can be found east of Great Coates Road, between St Michael’s Church and the River Freshney.
Back in the 1980s, the Council planted many trees and landscaped the area. Since then, the area has returned to nature and is now a haven for wildlife including birds, deer, mammals, invertebrates and wildflowers.
Most of the site is grassland and the Council’s long-term objectives are to develop and maintain areas of meadow with as many species of native grasses and wildflowers as possible.
Trees line the southern and eastern borders of Freshney Parkway. These woodlands will be managed to improve the natural habitat.
Freshney Parkway is also appreciated by people living nearby and is popular with dog walkers and other recreational users.
By designating it as a Local Nature Reserve, the Council aims to raise the site’s profile as well as enhancing it for wildlife conservation and as a recreational space.
A moorhen at Freshney Parkway. 
Footpath through Freshney Parkway. 
Cllr Stewart Swinburn, portfolio holder for Environment and Transport at North East Lincolnshire Council, said:
“Freshney Parkway is a much-loved green space at the heart of its community where people can connect with nature.
“Making the site a Local Nature Reserve will elevate its status and means we can enhance and conserve the natural habitat.
“We also have ambitions to make it part of a traffic-free walking and cycling route between the town centre and outlying areas.
“It has fantastic potential for local schools and community groups to get closer to the environment on their doorstep, and nearby habitat such as Town’s Holt could become part of a larger reserve in the future.”
Ward member Cllr Martyn Sandford added: “The new designated Local Nature Reserve is a gem in the crown of the Yarborough ward.
“There are lots of things to see in the reserve, such as roe deer, muntjac deer, voles, kingfishers and even an unusual brown and beige magpie.
“The designation also offers educational benefits as well. For instance, local schools can benefit from learning more about what they can find in the Parkway and how to look after it.”
Local Nature Reserves are a statutory designation made under Section 21 of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. They are places with wildlife or geological features that are of special interest locally and can offer opportunities to learn about and enjoy nature. Local Nature Reserves in North East Lincolnshire include Cleethorpes Sand dunes, Bradley and Dixon Woods, Weelsby Woods, and Cleethorpes Country Park.
Article and images from NELC.
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