Walsall Council Receives £75k Veolia Grant for Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve
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Walsall Council has recently been awarded a grant of £75,000 from the prestigious Veolia Foundation. This grant will be used to enhance Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve, to ensure it remains a thriving and biodiverse habitat for both flora and fauna.
“ The grants received are a testament to our commitment to safeguarding and enhancing the natural heritage of Walsall. Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve is a cherished treasure that not only supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life but also provides a tranquil space for local residents and visitors alike.
The enhancements enabled by the Veolia grant, coupled with the support from the Tree Council, signify an exciting future for Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve. Walsall Council looks forward to continuing its efforts in promoting biodiversity and preserving this invaluable ecological gem for generations to come. “
As part of the funding, Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve will undergo a range of improvements, including the clearing of vegetation, upgrading path works, and enhancing the ponds. The reserve's entrance will be rejuvenated with the installation of a new notice board, ladder board sign, and a sculpture. Additionally, two new disabled-friendly entrance gates will be introduced, promoting inclusivity and accessibility.
In addition to the Veolia grant, a smaller grant has also been secured. Walsall Council has been awarded £2,059 from the Tree Council's Branching Out Fund for planting trees and hedgerows around the site. These additions will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also bolster the ecological value of the reserve.
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Notes to editor:
- Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve is a wetland site located in the borough of Walsall, West Midlands, UK. The reserve is managed by Walsall Council and supported by local volunteers. It serves as an important refuge for various plant and animal species, contributing to the region's ecological diversity.
- Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve, nestled in the heart of Walsall, is a precious wetland site that showcases the region's natural beauty. The reserve's historical significance dates back to the last ice age, where the land was shaped by the melting glaciers, resulting in vast wildflower grasslands, marshes, and ponds.
- Once a quarry for sand and gravel, as well as a coal and clay mining location in the 19th century, Fibbersley Local Nature Reserve now features disused railway lines, ponds, and flooded quarry pits. This diverse landscape plays host to an array of plant species, including celery-leaved buttercup, fool's-watercress, and yellow iris.
- The reserve provides a sanctuary for numerous amphibians, boasting a regionally significant population of great crested newts. The presence of herons, willow warblers, linnets, and yellowhammers add to the rich avian biodiversity, with The Friends of Fibbersley recording over 70 bird species in 2016 alone.
