PEEL PARK POLLINATORS AT PEEL PARK AND THE COPPICE LNR

This project is helping to protect and improve pollinator populations at Peel Park and the Coppice Local Nature Reserve.

The Prospects Foundation is working on this project to protect and improve pollinator populations and their habitat at Peel Park and the Coppice Local Nature Reserve in Accrington. Many different animals can be pollinators, most notable being bees & butterflies. Lots of other insect species also pollinate, like flies, moths, wasps, and more! We are aiming to preserve and boost the diverse network of pollinators that exist on Peel Park and the Coppice LNR, as well as boosting public awareness. 2023 was a fantastic year for pollinators with over 80 species being recorded on the site! You can check out everything we found here.

The same can not be said for 2024 unfortunately, as nationwide surveys have shown a severe and dramatic drop in pollinator abundance which we have certainly felt at the Coppice. The tumultuous weather in 2024 has been yet another struggle for invertebrates to combat, along with pesticide use, agricultural intensification, INNS & many more. We found a XX% drop in butterflies from 2023 to 2024, using data from our weekly butterfly survey. More information can be found in our 2024 Pollinator Report. This is very concerning, but reinforces that we should be doing even more to ensure they can bounce back healthily.

Robert Gabryszak, the Local Nature Reserve Project Officer, co-ordinated a series of heathland and grassland management activities to improve biodiversity and tackle Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS).

The highlight of the project has been the grassland management at Pleck Meadow, which was acquired by Hyndburn Borough Council in 2018. Two meadow cut and collects have been completed, followed by seed sowing & plug planting from volunteers and local primary schools like Peel Park and Benjamin Hargreaves primary schools. This has increased the diversity of plant species found on the meadow, as indicated by the 2024 grassland condition assessment.

The project will also be offering activities for all to enjoy including, guided nature walks, species surveys, habitat creation, and more!

Get involved!

Until the end of October 2024, join us for weekly volunteer sessions at Peel Park and the Coppice LNR, every Monday from 10am - 1pm as well as one Saturday session a month. Come along and get involved with a range of conservation activities, learn new skills, meet people, keep fit and help wildlife.  To find out more email robert.gabryszak@prospectsfoundation.org.uk, telephone 01254 230348 (ext. 208) or call into the Prospects Foundation Environment Centre at 54 Broadway, Accrington.

As well as the weekly sessions, we are still holding walks, events and training opportunities, please take a look at our events calendar to find out more.

Project partners and funding

The Prospects Foundation is receiving funding for this conservation project which will run until October 2024.  The project will run in partnership with the Lancashire Wildlife Trust.  The project was funded by the Lancashire Environmental Fund, National Highways, and the Windfall Fund.