TOWNS AND VILLAGES
The Vision
Although Northamptonshire is largely a rural
county it does contain substantial built-up areas in the form of towns and
villages. The wildlife that survives in these areas is considerable and there
are many opportunities for enhancement. Existing sites should be managed to
benefit wildlife; many open spaces could support a wider range of species by
simple changes in management, such as reducing the frequency of mowing. The
enhancement of gardens for wildlife also offers significant potential; garden
ponds are now extremely important for amphibians, such as frogs and newts.
Habitat creation on existing open space and also through development could
increase the amount of habitat beneficial to wildlife. The involvement of local
communities in encouraging wildlife in towns and villages is crucial - local
people can really make a difference.
The Habitats
Greenspace in towns and villages falls into
three broad categories; habitats that are also found in rural areas such as
ancient woodland and meadows and the two distinctly urban types of habitat -
managed greenspace and naturally colonised areas such as industrial sites. The
urban environment also consists of buildings and other structures that can be
of importance to wildlife, such as churchyards for lichens.
Wildlife in towns and villages is an essential
link with the countryside. It provides a refuge for some of the species and
habitats that are under pressure in rural areas. It also provides people with a
local connection with nature that might otherwise be unavailable. People's
contact with wildlife increases their quality of life and can help relieve the
stresses and strains of everyday living. Action Plans have been produced for
the following habitats:
General Actions
To implement the Habitat Plans and fulfil the Vision,
the following actions will need to be taken:
·
Encourage wildlife friendly gardening
·
Promote the appropriate management of village
ponds
·
Encourage sympathetic management of churchyards
·
Encourage the appropriate management of urban public
open space
·
Promote the use of vacant and derelict land,
either temporarily or permanently, as wildlife habitat
·
Take advantage of opportunities for habitat
creation offered by development
·
Raise awareness and a sense of ownership for
wildlife and habitats within local communities
·
Encourage schools and colleges to use, and
where appropriate, establish wildlife areas
·
Encourage the provision of Pocket Parks and
Local Nature Reserves
·
Encourage the imaginative use of native trees
in landscaping schemes
·
Safeguard important wildlife sites in our towns
and villages