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Briggswath wildlife area restored
A WILDLIFE area which was once a dumping ground has been restored to its former glory thanks to the efforts of villagers.
The area at the back of Linden Close estate in Briggswath has been transformed thanks to the determination of residents who have worked with Eskdaleside-cum-Ugglebarnby Parish Council and Scarborough Borough Council.
Now it is a haven for wildlife with ducks and ducklings inhabiting the stream which is now free from rubbish and owls among the creatures who have made it their refuge.
It has taken five years since the idea came about which has been made possible with 8,000 in funding with 2,320 borough council's Community Fund, 1,000 from Eskdaleside-cum-Ugglebarnby Parish Council and 5,070 from the Leader fund.
The wildlife area had remained untouched since the estate was built by Persimmon homes in the 1990s and became the responsibility of Scarborough Borough Council.
The first phase of work carried out by local builder Keith Brown before Christmas is now complete and it is hoped the second phase will be completed by the summer, once the work has been put out to tender by the parish council.
The paths have been renewed, hedging has been relayed, the pond has been cleaned out and the invasive Australian swamp weed has been cleared, scrub has been cleared and the beck has been dug out ready for planting at the appropriate time.
The second phase will consist of re-planting, a new viewing platform for people to spot the local wildlife, repairs to the foot bridge and possibly the funding of new seating.
Wildflowers will also be planted along the bank of the stream and the daffodils are already blooming.
Much of the project was driven by the residents' association and Dr John Dacre who lives in Linden Close.
Fellow resident, Pauline Foster, who has lived in the close for 12 years, said: "I know John worked very very hard to get the authority moving. It was just rough ground before and it was all overgrown.
"If we get some lovely weather it will be lovely to come and sit here."
Borough councillor Tim Lawn who also sits on Eskdaleside-cum-Ugglebarnby Parish Council said: "It had become a dumping ground.
"Everything we have done was done in agreement with the residents. Myself and Jim had several meetings with the residents prior for applying for the funding.
"t's nice to see the area brought back to be something respectable for this estate."
And councillor Jim Preston added: "The wildlife area should be a real plus factor for the local community. We are appreciative of all the local people who have helped us along the way. It's been a long time coming but we are there now.
"Keith Brown has done a wonderful job doing the work dreadful weather conditions."
The work to transform the wildlife area was set out in an action plan back in 2005.
It included the opening up and maintaining access to clear scrub, remove invasive species, enhance the grassland, maintain existing trees, remove site hazards and improve safety, clear litter, implement regular management of the site and enhance the pond.
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Saturday 19 May 2012
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