Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 in its final stages
We are thrilled to announce that we will be finalising the Cornwall Council-led Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 programme this March. As the contract and project managers of this three-year program, we have had the privilege of helping to combat Cornwall’s ongoing climate and ecological crisis with the transformation of 30 hectares of urban green desert into ecologically diverse and wildlife-friendly spaces.
The £2.9 million investment for this program was made possible by funding from the European Regional Development Fund, with match funding also provided by Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter.
As managers on the scheme, our role has included budget management, procurement, commercial and contractual administration, risk management, reporting, and site inspections. Through the leadership of MWJV’s Darren Mountford, the Contract Manager on the project, the scheme has been able to help return some nature to Cornwall, creating healthy habitats where wildlife like bees, butterflies and hedgehogs can thrive, and allowing the natural rebalancing of ecosystems to take place.
The program encompasses 24 different sites across eight towns in Cornwall, including recreation grounds, edges of sports fields, parks, verges, and church yards.
Some key outcomes of GI4G2 include:
19+ tonnes of carbon sequestered
Net biodiversity gain of 9.5%
50,000m2 wildflower meadows planted
8,200m2 pollinator-friendly planting
187 fruit trees and bushes planted
490 trees planted
173 habitat boxes installed
Engagement of over 10,500 residents
85 urban ranger volunteer sessions
5,388m2 of improved access
Throughout the years we have also had the pleasure of working with several program partners, including experts from the University of Exeter, Cornwall Wildlife Trust, the Environment Agency, Cornwall Housing, and Historic England, to create the most sustainable and effective planting and management plans.
We are happy to report that the programme ha run smoothly and has already received a positive response from the communities benefiting from it. It has been fantastic to help with the restoration of biodiversity to Cornwall, as well as help people's accessibility to learn about and enjoy nature.
The project has also been well-timed, as it is not only a response to the climate and ecological emergency but was also ongoing throughout lockdown, a time when people were re-exploring their local natural areas. It has helped provide not only space for nature but also for people to enjoy.
The investment also includes a 15-year-long management plan to ensure the improved green spaces are maintained and available to future generations. Once complete, each site will move into the long-term management phase.
For more information on the Green Infrastructure for Growth 2 project, please visit our website and download our annual report at https://www.mwjv.net/our-performance.
We look forward to continuing the mission to create sustainable and green spaces in Cornwall.