1. Source of the River Lea
Themes: Community engagement and participation; Promoting appropriate and sympathetic land management
Objectives:
- Improve local knowledge and understanding of the river and the issues facing it
- Increase public access to and involvement in the river
- Improve existing wildlife corridors
- Control or eradicate invasive non-native species
- Increase the amount and quality of habitat
Project description
Major works to restore and improve a wooded area around the Source of the River Lea in Luton’s Leagrave Park.
Work began in October 2014 with Steve Dear Tree Contractors felling and coppicing trees and doing some clearance to open up the area closest to the Five Springs tower block.
Over winter 2014/15, volunteers continued the work through conservation days, run by TCV Bedford and Groundwork. As well as clearing vegetation and picking up litter, they continued the wood chip path (that was laid through Rotten Corner by the Green Skills project) all the way to the Source of the River Lea.
In spring 2015, interpetation panels were installed to help visitors become more informed about the environmental and historical importance of the site.
Have a peek at the site through our Source of the River Lea video.
Project lead: Groundwork Luton & Bedfordshire
Project partners: TCV Bedfordshire, Luton Borough Council, Historic England
Funding source: Biffa Award (Landfill Communities Fund)
Project start: September 2014
Project end: March 2015
Contact for more information: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
