Village open space to be transformed into mini wildlife haven

A LITTLE-used area of public open space in Milford looks set to be transformed into a safe haven for birds and wildlife under plans agreed by the parish council.

The small area of land on the northern side of Swallow Drive was once earmarked for a community orchard. However, the plan was never developed and now a local conservation group wants to use it to plant a small copse of rowan trees.

Details of the proposal emerged at a recent meeting of Milford Parish Council, when Milford Conservation Volunteers spokesperson Keith Metcalf said the area will enable winter birds to feed and thrive during cold snaps.

He said: “Our proposal would be to plant about 15 to 20 rowan whip saplings which take about 10 to 15 years to produce their first berries and to seed.

“Additionally, we would plant a small number of five-year-old pot-grown or bare-rooted trees. This would help ensure we have fruit-baring trees after the shortest time, possibly the same year as planting.”

The meeting heard that rowan trees were proposed because they are deciduous and native to Britain and provide copious amounts of berries during autumn and winter months.

Mr Metcalf said: “Trees bloom May to June, and its creamy-white flowers emit strong, sweet smells which attract pollinators including bees and beetles.

"Blackbirds, thrushes, redwings, fieldfares, bullfinch and waxwing could be attracted once the trees have sufficiently matured.”

Rowan berries are a rich source of vitamin C and are edible but sour tasting for humans. Once established the trees can live for up to 200 years.

Mr Metcalf continued: “Watering would be necessary during the early stages of growth but this coiuld be accommodated by residents who back on to this piece of land and members of Milford Conservation Volunteers as required.”

Mr Metcalf said by transforming under-utilised open spaces, the council could reduce its own maintenance costs while providing a haven for wildlife to thrive.

He added the proposal would not impact on the southern side of the Swallow Drive recreation space which is a popular area with children, picnickers and dog walkers.

He said: “The northern side is only occasionally frequented by dog walkers and used sporadically by youngsters as it has no through-way destination for general public use.”

The meeting also heard that the grass in the area should be allowed to grow into a wild flower-rich meadow which would benefit wildlife and reduce the burden of parish council maintenance work.

It was suggested that a meandering pathway be cut through the meadow to help public access.

Parish councillors agreed to support the plan, pending feedback from local residents.