A major project based on improving biodiversity has just been completed at Grimthorpe House that will improve the area for both local residents and wildlife.
For residents the project has improved the look of the area and their access to nature which is believed to help mental well being, stimulate community activity and increase volunteering. In addition the improvements have provided specific benefits such as using trees to screen the noise from a ball court, planting hedges to prevent dog-fouling and setting up a resident food growing projects.
The improvements are particularly significant for wildlife because of a general lack of green space and habitats in the south of the borough. Grimthorpe House sits between two of the areas parks (Kings Square and Spa Fields) and the changes have helped create a ‘green corridor’ allowing wildlife to move across the south of the borough.
Estate grounds are one of the major sources of open space in South Islington. However prior to the work the area around Grimthorpe House was almost entirely grass and hard-standing such as paving and tarmac offering little in the way of biodiversity or habitats. The project has planted 13 trees providing food and nesting opportunities for birds, scented shrubs which will provide habitats for birds and insects (lavender is particularly good for bees) and a wildflower meadow to attract insects and increase the range of grasses and flowering plants.
Areas on the perimeter of the estate have been bordered with native hedges to provide habitats for birds and smaller mammals and planted with native species that would typically be a natural part of woodland ground cover. A blank wall has been fitted with a 9m x 9m mesh and planted with native climbing species to make a green wall that once grown will provide further habitats for nesting birds and sources of nectar.
In addition to these, special features have been installed to attract specific declining species. A loggery has been built to attract stag beetles who live in the rotting wood, combined swift and bat boxes have been fixed to the roof of the flats and sparrow terraces have been installed at two places on the estate.
It is hoped that these improvements will increase the number and range of species in the area and make the area more attractive and enjoyable for local residents for many years to come.
The improvements have been made by the council thanks to a grant from the charity Grantscape and with support from the Tenants Residents Association.
Richard, Islington Council
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