On Monday 19 July, work will get underway in Sunnydale Local Nature reserve to create new meadow and wetland habitats as part of the Cuttle Brook flood alleviation scheme.
The section of the park where works are taking place will be closed until November this year. The allotments will be accessible during the works.
Whilst the key aim of the scheme is to reduce the flood risk to local residents, the scheme also presents an important opportunity to improve and increase biodiversity in the area.
An ecological impact assessment which took place between 2018 and 2020 has shown that there will be a net gain in biodiversity for the area and the scheme has been supported by Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and other organisations.
The creation of the wetland habitat is considered high priority for improving biodiversity and residents will see plant species such as Water Mint, Yellow Flag Iris and Lesser Pond Sedge appear. Animal species that will call the area home include Shrews, Frogs and Toads and bird species like the Reed Warbler.
In the new lowland meadow area flowering plants such as Meadow Buttercup, Yarrow and Cowslip will be planted alongside other meadow species. These species are particularly important for pollinating insects such as bees and butterflies.
Preparation work, including the removal of a number of trees took place earlier this year. The scheme includes plans to replant even more trees than were removed.
Councillor Matthew Holmes, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Decarbonisation & Strategic Planning & Transport commented:
Whilst it’s important we do what we can to protect homes from flooding, this work also gives us an excellent opportunity to benefit the wider environment by creating new habitats for wildlife.
Residents who are interested in finding out more about the work can visit the planning portal on the Derby City Council website.
The Scheme is being funded by DEFRA Flood Defence Grant In Aid, Local Levy, European Regional Development Fund and Derby City Council Capital budget.