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Sheffield Park undergoes amazing transformation

Planning and Environment
13:26, Friday, 7th May 2021

A Scunthorpe Park has undergone a major transformation, turning it into an environmentally friendly wildlife haven and a vibrant centre for the whole community.

North Lincolnshire Council has been working with schools, charities and local people to enrich the whole area around Sheffield Park.

The park, a green oasis in the town’s urban heartland, is one of several picturesque open spaces across North Lincolnshire, three of which have been awarded the coveted Green Flag.

Volunteers have been at the heart of the changes at Sheffield Park, helping plant trees, a sensory garden and wildflowers.

Volunteer hours in the park now average 35 a week, improving mental health and wellbeing as well as community pride.

The park now boasts the largest wildflower meadow planting of any park in North Lincolnshire, including innovative ‘bee corridors’ to attract pollinating insects.

It is also our first 100 per cent environmentally friendly park – all future planting has been grown by us or nearby schools, and we only use natural weedkilling techniques.

Recent innovations include –

  • Developing a sensory garden in partnership with Lindsey Lodge Hospice
  • Developing a nature area using planting recommended by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
  • Installing art and design features produced by North Lindsey College students
  • Working with Crosby Primary School on ‘bug areas’
  • Planting more than 60 trees with the help of volunteers, part of our pledge to plant 172,000 trees across the region

This is in addition to earlier improvements including re-surfacing, new play equipment, a skate park and a cycling proficiency area.

Future projects include car park resurfacing to develop wheelchair-accessible areas and the installation of wheelchair-friendly play equipment.

The project is part of North Lincolnshire Council’s commitment to the environment, to enable community resilience and keep people safe and well.

By working with partners across the area and volunteers in the local community, we are committed to improving North Lincolnshire with initiatives that encourage wildflower seeding, tree and hedge planting and community-based environmental initiatives as well as a tough clampdown on litter-picking and fly-tipping.