Park named valuable area for nature by trust

Meadow Park, in East Leake, has been identified as a Local Wildlife Site

A Nottinghamshire park has been named one of The Wildlife Trusts' most valuable areas for nature.

Meadow Park, in East Leake, has been identified as a Local Wildlife Site, which is an area of land especially important for its wildlife.

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said the sites were great opportunities for people to see and connect with nature.

Dave Banks, from Rushcliffe Borough Council, which owns the park, said they were pleased it had been recognised for "conserving and enhancing local wildlife".

Rushcliffe Borough Council said 22 species of butterfly can be found at the park

Mr Banks added 10% of Nottinghamshire was covered by Local Wildlife Sites.

"Meadow Park is a welcomed addition to our most valuable wildlife areas in Rushcliffe and the county," he added.

Wildlife trusts across the country identify places as Local Wildlife Sites by working with local authorities, statutory agencies, and landowners.

Across the UK there are about 44,000 sites, with around 1,400 in Nottinghamshire.

The council said a variety of birds can be found at Meadow Park, off Gotham Road, including song thrushes, whitethroats and willow warblers.

Plant species including dropwort, pepper saxifrage and great burnet can also be seen there, as well as 22 species of butterfly.

Kevin Gibbons, chairperson of Friends Of Meadow Park, thanked the organisation's "dedicated and hardworking members".

He said: "Last year our volunteers put in 795 hours of their time keeping the park tidy and working on various projects to ensure the overall biodiversity continues to improve.”

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