Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC) is pleased to host a fourth Green Recovery project, this time focusing on Paxton Pits Nature Reserve.
This project is aimed at fostering environmental stewardship and increasing the biodiversity of the beloved park. This exciting initiative is set to run for eight weeks, with a primary focus on landscaping skill development for the volunteers taking part, including earning a Level 1 City & Guilds qualification in horticulture and landscaping.
Executive Councillor for Climate and Environment, Cllr Lara Davenport-Ray said: "This is an opportunity for volunteers and job-seekers to gain valuable countryside skills and unlock future employment opportunities. While they learn, participants are also
improving Paxton Pits. Plants, animals and visitors at Paxton Pits will all benefit from their work. The Green Recovery Skills Project is a key step toward creating a greener, more resilient future for Huntingdonshire."
In collaboration with Groundwork East, this initiative is one component of the council's broader Biodiversity for All campaign. The project is made possible through a £1.3 million grant from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), aimed at enhancing and sustaining biodiversity in Huntingdonshire.
This is the fourth Green Recovery project, with previous successful phases being completed at Hinchingbrooke Country Park, Spring Common (Huntingdon), and Riverside Park (St Neots). Joe, who volunteered on the previous St Neots Riverside Park project, said: "It is a hugely helpful course which has done a lot of good for myself, my colleagues on the course, and the community as a whole. It has also helped me become more integrated into the green industry".
Mayor for the Combined Authority, Dr Nik Johnson, said: "The Green Recovery project at Paxton Pits Nature Reserve is a significant stride in our commitment to environmental sustainability. Over the next eight weeks, this project will not only enhance our cherished parks, but also equip our community members with valuable skills and qualifications."
Volunteers and Groundwork East staff will be on-site at Paxton Pits from Wednesday to Friday every week until early March. Just a few of the activities in this project include cutting the willow scrub by the Cloudy Lake, hedge trimming along the Heron Trail and building bat and bird boxes. Paxton Pits supports a high diversity of habitats and wildlife. This work will help to maintain that level of biodiversity and the condition of the already developed and valuable habitats.
Find out more about the Green Skills Project.