Welcome to Biodiversity in The Park

Over the last few months I have been carefully looking at the wonderful work already undertaken by the NPRA and focusing on the Wildlife Enhancement Plan (WEP) that was commissioned 10-years ago, in conjunction with the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust (NWT).

What struck me is how relevant the areas covered still are today; how important having a vision to support wildlife and increase biodiversity in the Park Estate is, and the benefits to be shared and gained by all of us fortunate to live in this wonderful place.

My aim is to now implement the recommendations contained in the WEP and add resources in partnership with organisations such as NWT and others.

Additionally, I would like to consult with residents and develop our website to include regular updates and features on biodiversity in the Park Estate, as well as reporting on the progress we are making in connection with increasing and protecting our resident species of wildlife.

Of real importance to us at the NPRA is community engagement and inclusion, so one of the main features of our work will be to improve how we engage on this subject and reach across all age groups – both young and old – to inspire the wildlife guardians of the future whilst learning from those with experience to share.

In particular, a starting point will be to carry out a wildlife survey so we can update data, such as the number of ponds we have on the estate and the connectivity of our gardens so we can open up wildlife corridors essential for foraging and access to habitat. We will be launching the survey in the near future and will let you know when this happens.

I am genuinely excited about our prospects for encouraging wildlife into the Park Estate and supporting the enhancement plans already in place. The benefits of nature and wildlife to all our lives cannot be underestimated, and I look forward to hearing any views or suggestions you may have for how we can further improve our environment and support increased biodiversity in the future.

Mike Horseman