Feature
Nature on our doorstep
A bonus which came with the housing development off Fishpool Way was the Millennium Park. The provision of this recreational amenity was a requirement of the planning approval for the development. Many Barrow Voice readers will have enjoyed walks in the Park and it is certainly appreciated by large numbers of dog walkers.
In 1998 a ‘Millennium Group’ was formed to organise events throughout the Millennium year. The events which they organised raised £12,000 for the village and this was required to be used for a community project as a lasting memorial of the Millennium. The agreed project was for developing the Millennium Park for the benefit of the community. It included the sundial, giant thrush’s eggs, perimeter path, native wild flower areas and native tree planting to add to the existing mature trees. Village groups were invited to take part in tree planting to generate interest in the site.
The wild flowers sown or planted included primroses, cowslips and wild daffodils along the bank beside Fishpool Way; and bluebells and snowdrops on the side away from the road adjacent to the bridleway. A wild flower meadow was created on damp ground at the Melton Road end of the Park.
Some surveys have been carried out to identify species of plants and other
wildlife within the Park, and a portfolio of
photographs is being put together to
record the diversity of life which can be
found there, including mammals, birds,
invertebrates, grasses, mosses and lichens.
Some of the photographs have already
been used in exhibitions both within the
village and elsewhere helping create some
interest in the project.
Earlier this year the Parish Council and
Barrow Community Association decided
to sponsor a booklet to record the
development of the park and its natural
history with sample photographs to
illustrate it. A small team has been
established to guide this Barrow Heritage
group project. We will be pleased to
receive contributions for this from any
readers who are interested. This could be
in the form of photographs, surveys or
other aspects of interest. Please send any
contributions to:
www.busnaturalhistory@btinternet.com
Please keep an eye on the village website
for dates when interested people can meet
to help in the process of identification and
recording:
http://www.leicestershirevillages.com
/barrowuponsoar/local-events