Home / Environment / Derby's Wasteland Turned into Vital Breeding Ground for Rare Birds
Derby's Wasteland Turned into Vital Breeding Ground for Rare Birds
26 Oct
Summary
- £43,237.01 spent to create ideal habitats for ground-nesting birds
- Sanctuary now home to breeding lapwing, plover, sand martin, and skylark
- Project aims to make Sanctuary one of the most significant breeding sites in the region
In a remarkable transformation, Derby City Council has turned a former industrial site into a thriving nature reserve that is now a vital breeding ground for various ground-nesting bird species. The Sanctuary Bird and Wildlife Reserve, established in 2004, has undergone a £43,237.01 habitat restoration project to create the ideal conditions for these vulnerable birds.
The council has spent the funds to establish plots of short vegetation, bare soil, graveled areas, and permanent water pools within the reserve, located between Derby County's Pride Park stadium and the River Derwent. These new habitats have attracted a diverse array of bird species, including lapwing, plover, sand martin, reed bunting, and skylark, to breed and thrive in the area.
Experts believe the Sanctuary is now poised to become one of the most significant breeding sites for these birds in the entire region. The project demonstrates Derby City Council's commitment to biodiversity and environmental conservation, ensuring the city's green spaces not only survive but actively support the recovery of these beautiful and threatened species.
The Sanctuary, while not open to the public, offers several viewing points, two of which are accessible for those with disabilities. This hidden gem within Derby's urban landscape is set to play a crucial role in preserving the local avian population and providing a crucial stopover and breeding ground for a wide range of bird species.
