Park improvements are benefiting residents and nature in Blaby District thanks to an injection of cash from central Government. Blaby District Council successfully applied for UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) to improve some of its most popular open spaces.

The money, £133,000, has allowed the Council to focus on boosting biodiversity and nurturing nature at Countesthorpe Park as well as revamp footpaths on other green spaces.

The need to enhance the ecology at Countesthorpe was identified in the authority’s Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, formally adopted in 2024. As part of the agreed management plan, the park’s balancing pools have been fenced off. These are now designated nature zones where pond life, wildfowl and other animals can thrive without disturbance.

Works at other green spaces have also taken place with footpath widening at The Osiers in Braunstone. The new path has been raised to prevent it becoming boggy in wet weather. Crow Mills in Countesthorpe has seen footpath replacement while similar refurbishment is planned for paths at Whistle Way in Narborough.

Councillor Nigel Grundy, Blaby District Council Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: “Ensuring our Council-run public green spaces are maintained and enhanced for the good of residents and nature is at the heart of our Parks and Open Spaces Strategy.

“We are committed to keeping them safe, accessible and inclusive, recognising what an important part they play in residents’ lives. We also realise they are a vital oasis for our declining, native wildlife. So, we are delighted this funding is allowing us to deliver significant improvements for both residents and for flora and fauna.”