Monmouthshire County Council is to consult over plans to
encourage nature to thrive around Monmouth’s Rockfield estate. It follows a grant from the Welsh Government’s Local Places for
Nature fund to undertake a study that involves residents in developing nine
community nature spaces and designing enhancements for nature at four
neighborhood play areas across Overmonnow.
Community nature spaces include areas for growing
vegetables, flowers and fruit trees and tree planting as well as re-wilding
areas into mini meadows, offering opportunities for residents to enjoy nature
and for children to play. In addition to providing benefits for
residents, they also present valuable habitats for pollinators and other forms
of wildlife.
The council has appointed specialist environmental
consultancy Pegasus Group to carry out a detailed survey of the sites, public
consultation, planning and design works. This study will enable the
community nature spaces to become a reality during the 2021/22 financial year,
subject to further funding approval from Welsh Government.
The project is likely to involve transforming some of the
smaller and less well-used amenity play areas into community nature
spaces. Meanwhile, the council will expand the playground at the central
open space next to the Rockfield Community Centre to cater for children of a
wider age range and provide more accessible play equipment.
Councillor Jane Pratt, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member
with responsibility for parks and open spaces said: “Among the lessons that the
pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have taught us is the importance of a variety
of good quality and easily accessible open spaces so families and individuals
can spend time together outdoors experiencing nature on their doorstep.”
Councillor Richard John, cabinet member with
responsibility for bio-diversity added: “This project is another step in the
council’s journey to improve local environments and benefit pollinators.”
In addition to engaging with local residents, the council
will involve other project stakeholders including the local county council
member, Monmouth Town Council, Transition Monmouth, ACE (Action on Climate
Emergency), Gwent Wildlife Trust, Rockfield Community Centre and NRW (Natural
Resources Wales).
A
short questionnaire about the project can be accessed via the following link: www.monnaturespaces.co.uk – also, anyone wishing to
comment on or become involved in the project can forward an email to: naturespaces@pegasusgroup.co.uk
