We are delighted to have been awarded a contract by Wirksworth Town Council to deliver the long awaited Meadows Rejuvenation Project. The aim of the project is to restore this much loved historic space into an accessible, thriving and biodiverse landscape, providing benefits for local residents and nature.
History of Wirksworth Meadows
The Meadows is the last surviving part of a historic meadow and a green lung within the town of Wirksworth, made up of a variety of terrain, with grassland, scrubland and wooded areas. It sits between two housing estates and the town centre, providing a much needed tranquil space for locals. After 20 years of neglect, with minimal mowing, coppicing and maintenance, the site provides very little in terms of ecological value and is not regarded as a desirable space for public use.
A public campaign was launched by passionate residents in 2019 when the site was put up for sale. With the support of Wirksworth Town Council, over £40,000 was raised in the space of 6 weeks, and together with the Council’s reserves, the site was purchased and saved. Through a series of public consultations, it became clear that there was an overwhelming desire to improve public access to the site, as well as to increase biodiversity and restore the wildflower meadow.
The Plan for Wirksworth Meadows
Following our appointment in May 2024 we have been working closely with the Council and the project architect, Urban Wilderness, to carefully plan all elements of the work. In order to enrich the landscape for both residents and wildlife, the following is taking place;
Large areas of wildflower meadow are being reinstated, creating a sanctuary for wildlife.
New footpaths are being installed, and existing footpaths made more accessible.
Sensitive vegetation management is taking place to protect existing habitat, whilst creating an easier to maintain space going forward.
Swales and a drainage basin are being created to improve drainage and encourage wildlife.
An amenity grassland is being created, with accessible seating, landscaped areas and complementary decorative features, creating a flexible community space.
Project Timeline
August will see the beginnings of preparation works, with signs erected and multiple areas cleared, before the start of the project in early September. The first part of the works will see new pathways being created and existing ones upgraded to improve accessibility. At stages, footpaths will be temporarily closed for resurfacing and to ensure the safety of the public whilst works are underway. Signs detailing the closures will be erected and diversions will be in place. Whilst works will be ongoing until February 2025, the majority will be completed before the end of November 2024. Further details and progress updates will be shared via the Meadows Newsletter and through signage on site. The Wildscapes Site Supervisor and Wirksworth Town Council will also be happy to answer any queries from residents.
Wirksworth Meadows in the Future
Whilst it may take a number of years for the Wildflower Meadow to become fully established, careful maintenance is planned for the site to ensure it can be enjoyed by residents and wildlife as soon as works are completed. The Meadows will be added to the Council’s maintenance programme, but it is hoped that in the long term, a volunteer group will become custodians of the Meadows, taking part in tree planting, pruning or coppicing, seed collection or weeding, stewarding educational visits or carrying out field surveys. To register your interest in volunteering, please email enquiries@wirksworth.gov.uk with the word ‘Volunteer’ in the subject line and give your name and contact details.
We look forward to sharing our progress whilst the work is underway, once complete, and as the site develops over the years to come. Find out more about our projects and services here, including ecology, biodiversity net gain, conservation and land management, or follow us on social media to hear all the latest on the Meadows.