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BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION IN CHESHIRE

Introduction

The Council is committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment of Crewe and Nantwich Borough. This general policy is reflected in the Council's Local Agenda 21 Strategy, Local Plan, Leisure Strategy and Countryside Strategy.

Local Agenda 21

Over the past decade, there has been a large increase in public concern for the environment, and a growing emphasis on its protection. In recognition of this, and to meet the requirements of the Government's Sustainable Development Strategy, the Council has been a keen supporter of the Borough's LA21 process. As part of this, a Nature Conservation Action Group has been formed which helps local groups to make practical improvements to natural habitats. Membership includes Cheshire Wildlife Trust, Manchester Metropolitan University, Parish Councils, Countryside Rangers, RSPCA and Upper Weaver Initiative.

The Council is also involved in the Nantwich Riverside Project.

Conservation of Natural Habitats

Many areas within the Borough have nationally designated status either for nature conservation reasons or to protect their natural beauty. For example, Quaker's Coppice is an area of semi-natural deciduous woodland situated near to the Green Business Park. It is a SBI owned by the Council and leased to Cheshire Wildlife Trust.

Sound practice in terms of habitat management cuts across Divisional boundaries. The Borough Council's Leisure Strategy emphasises the importance of good access to country parks, picnic sites and well maintained and signposted footpaths, cycle ways, bridleways and canals. Crewe Business Park, established in 1986, was the first ecologically based business park in the country. It has been nationally recognised (including Pond of the Year and a Tidy Britain Group Millennium Mark award) for its innovation in supporting ecological and conservation issues.

Tree Planting

Trees are very much part of the traditional Cheshire landscape. The Borough has approximately 4 per cent of woodland which falls well below the national average of 9 per cent. In response to this, the Council has embarked upon a sustained annual tree planting programme. Community woodlands have been planted at a number of locations in the Borough including Leighton Park, Alton Street Ravine, Coppenhall and Nantwich Riverside.

Several major tree planting schemes have been secured through the development process, particularly with large residential developments. Such schemes include Parkers Road, where a community woodland with footpaths, play and leisure facilities has been established. Although initially resisted by developers at the last local plan inquiry, the inspector fully accepted the Council's case. It will now be possible to build on this success and incorporate tree planting in a much more extensive and meaningful way in the next local plan.

Valley Brook Nature Park

Valley Brook Nature Park comprises land flanking the two water courses of Wistaston Brook and Valley Brook, on the Southwest outskirts of Crewe. A Management Plan for the area was approved by the Borough Council in 1995. The main aim of the plan is to integrate nature conservation, recreation and community involvement by optimising their potential and minimising their conflicts. Through the LA21 process, the Council is working with Valley Park Millennium Group and Crewe and Nantwich Sustainability Alliance to make practical improvements in the area through clean ups, wildflower planting and tree planting.

WWW Cheshire Biodiversity Have you got a question about wildlife in the Cheshire region? If so, contact us on [email protected]!