Biodiversity project takes root with help from Grundon

Once forming part of the grounds of Bury House – the town’s former Manor House – the 4.2 hectare site had become overgrown and neglected.

Now, however, thanks in part to a £14,000 grant from Grundon Waste Management via the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF), Three Rivers District Council is undertaking a major restoration programme.

The Bury Grounds Biodiversity Project aims to restore and protect the natural habitat while creating a safe and accessible space and, at the same time, breathe new life into Taylor’s Cut, the loop of river that runs through the area into the River Colne, a chalk stream that is recognised as a globally rare habitat.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, Three Rivers District Council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “Grundon’s funding helped pay for an ongoing tree management programme, which includes the preservation of many historic trees, including the magnolia walk, cedars, oaks and mulberry trees.

“We have also been clearing a lot of the brambles and overgrown areas and planting new trees. It’s about making sure the area is more accessible for visitors, while also being sensitive to both wildlife and the fact this is a heritage area.

“I have enjoyed walking and running through the Bury Grounds for many years and it is looking the best it has done in decades.”

Kirsti Santer, Grundon’s Head of Marketing & Communications and Annie Sessions, Marketing Manager, recently visited the site to meet council representatives and councillors and see how work is progressing.

“This really is an oasis of greenery and calm in the middle of the town, even in the short time we were there, plenty of people were walking through the area and that was so good to see,” said Kirsti. “The work the council and their volunteers have already done is very impressive and we could see what a difference it has made. We are delighted to have played our own small part in supporting such a great piece of work.”

Michelle Jones, Project Manager at Groundwork South, the community and environmental charity which distributes LCF grants on behalf of Grundon, also joined Kirsti and Annie for the day and said afterwards: “We are delighted to support Three Rivers District Council with this great project which puts nature and habitat restoration at the heart of the community. It was a delight to walk around and see what exciting plans the team has as the work progresses.”

As part of the funding, new Grundon-funded interpretation boards will also be installed at the site, giving visitors an insight into the type of wildlife and birds they are likely to see during their walk.

Separate from the funded-works, Three Rivers District Council has also been working on the Taylor’s Cut river restoration project, including creating new wetland ditches which will form a natural flood defence area.

Taylor’s Cut was originally created in the 1840s to allow barges to deliver flour to the bakery at the Manor House and over the years it had become chocked with sediment, reducing the water flow.

A shade clearance programme has increased the amount of light to the river banks and a series of natural berms using tree branches, has been created to provide habitat for fish and invertebrates.