Lench Meadows to become Stratford-upon-Avon Local Nature Reserve

Stratford-on-Avon District Council's Cabinet has today, Monday 4 September, agreed to support the designation of Lench Meadows as a Local Nature Reserve and be managed for wildlife for the long-term future.

Cllr Susan Juned, Leader of Stratford-on-Avon District Council said: "Designating the site as a Local Nature Reserve will provide multiple benefits. Local Nature Reserves protect and support habitats and wildlife and contribute to the overall Green Infrastructure network in an area.

"Increasing access to good quality areas of green space also benefits the local community. This is a valued natural space which will now have a secure future for both residents and wildlife."

In 2020 Stratford-on-Avon District Council working with Stratford-upon-Avon Town Trust secured a grant from the Better Building fund to improve the area known locally as Lench Meadows, on the edge of Stratford-upon-Avon.

The recent enhancement works undertaken on the site with this funding has resulted in an overall increase in biodiversity and an Ecological Management Plan (EMP) spanning 30 years has been produced. This document sets out the long-term vision for the continued ecological enhancement and management of the site.

Cllr Juned continued: "The designation of Lench Meadows also aligns with the current Council Plan by enhancing and protecting the natural assets of the District and responding to the climate emergency declared by increasing climate change adaptation and increasing carbon sequestration."

The designation of the site as a Local Nature Reserve, and subsequent ecological management will be supported by:

1. An external consultant to coordinate and deliver the long-term ecological management of the site.
2. A Management Board formed to oversee the ecological management and grounds maintenance of the site.
3. Registering the site as a Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), to allow the ongoing ecological management of the site to be funded through off-site BNG developer contributions.