Warwickshire park getting a major upgrade after funding approved
More than £700,000 is being spent on a 'green corridor' running between Birmingham and North Warwickshire
More than £700,000 is to be spent on creating a green corridor between the centre of Birmingham and a rural park in North Warwickshire – and that will include investment in Coleshill.
North Warwickshire Borough Council has worked with the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to secure the £705,000 from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund to help transform the Cole Valley.
The money will be spent on various locations along the route in Birmingham, Solihull and Cole End Park in Coleshill.
A report considered by this week’s MON community and environment board of North Warwickshire Borough Council said: “The valley itself is a haven for wildlife and the proposed works will involve tree planting, wildflower meadows and wetland habitat creation, as well as improvements to access paths and trails. The funding will support local green jobs and provide a boost to the local economy.
“The project will include six traineeships to give people the experience and accredited training to pursue a career in the environmental sector. Through the involvement of the Prince’s Trust, a particular focus will be working with local young people from a range of backgrounds to give them first-hand experience of their local environment and to help support them in finding work or further training.
“Funding specific to Cole End Park will include the installation of information boards, bicycle stands, park benches, wooden sculptures, natural play features and a play trail. These capital improvements are due to take place in the summer.
“Improvements within the local nature reserve will include woodland management, tree planting and wildflower plug planting."
The park, which sits alongside the River Cole, includes an aqueduct but an abandoned mill was demolished around 70 years ago.
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