08 May 2007 00:00 Central Networks helps regenerate Worcester’s Gheluvelt Park
Gheluvelt Park’s pond in Worcester is to be upgraded to attract more wildlife after winning a grant from Central Networks, the electricity distribution company for central England.
The company, part of E.ON UK, has donated £1,850 to Gheluvelt Park Friends, a community group formed three years ago to work in conjunction with Worcester City Council and others to develop the infrastructure and use of the park.
Phil Wilson, Customer Operations Manager for Central Networks, said: “The pond is located centrally in the park and is a major feature for visitors so it makes sense to improve the area to attract wildlife.
“That also means that local schools will be able to use the area as a teaching aid.
“All of that means we’re delighted to be able to help such a significant environmental project in Worcestershire.”
The project is one of the winning applicants for Central Network’s £70,000 Safer Environment Fund, which makes money available for projects that demonstrate they will have a lasting and positive effect on the local environment.
Dr Allen Barnatt, Chairman of the Gheluvelt Park Friends, said: “The pond does not currently meet modern environmental standards as it is entirely without plants, which contributes to the poor water quality. It also lacks adequate facilities for birds and small mammals to nest.
“Our project will address these needs as we plan to plant around the edge of the pond perimeter as well as a number of water lilies within the pond. Additionally, we also plan to construct four duck boxes and two bat boxes, as well as buying three duck floating boxes and two small mammal boxes.
“For the first time, there will be plants around the perimeter of the pond and lilies within it. As well as looking attractive and providing additional wildlife habitat, these measures will help to improve the water quality.
“The floating duck boxes will also be out of harms way from other animals and not susceptible to vandalism, which will in turn contribute to visitor appeal and provide educational value to the park’s many young visitors.”
The new fund for 2007 is open to all local community groups and not-for-profit organisations with their own bank account located in the Central Networks distribution region, which covers central England. Groups can apply for grants of up to £2,500.
For more information, and to download an application form, visit www.central-networks.co.uk/sef.
Ends
Notes to editors:
• Central Networks is the new name for Midlands Electricity and East Midlands Electricity. The company brings power to 4.9 million customers across central England through 133,000km of underground and overhead cables and via almost 97,000 substations;
• Central Networks covers an area from the Peak District in the north to parts of Bristol in the south, and from the Welsh Boarders to the Lincolnshire Coast.
For more information contact:
Deanna Mooney on 02476 183 678
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