Work tackles flood risk
MEASURES NEAR BEAUTY SPOT SUPPORT WILDLIFE
MEASURES to try to control flooding are being put in place near Fosse Park.
Everards Meadows is a popular destination for cyclists and walkers but it is close to the River Soar and prone to being swamped.
Leicester City Council is carrying out a range of environmental work close to Fosse Park as part of a wider programme of work to reduce flood risk, support biodiversity and improve access along the River Soar and Grand Union Canal corridors.
It will include the creation of wetlands which will provide a better habitat for wildlife, while drawing floodwater off footpaths.
Land will be excavated to create a shallow drainage basin and swale to help further reduce flood risk.
The earth from the excavations will be used to create habitat mounds that will provide shelter for wildlife.
More tree planting will also help create a woodland on the site.
The work is being carried out on land owned by Everards. The brewery developed land to the west of the River Soar.
The city council, which is leading the flood relief scheme, said it will provide additional flood benefits downstream and into the city itself.
Deputy mayor Adam Clarke, who leads on environment and transportation, said: “This important project will help enhance habitats for a wide range of wildlife, increase capacity for flood alleviation and make it easier for visitors to access and enjoy this popular new destination.
“Everards and its partners have done a really good job of creating a peaceful and comfortable destination for cyclists and walkers, with excellent links to the city along the Great Central Way.
“We have some fantastic riverside in the city which we want more people to get out and enjoy.
“Everards Meadows is one more excellent example of how that is being realised.”
Stephen Gould, managing director of Everards, said: “Everards Meadows is a wonderful space and we’ve kept much of the land as natural as possible, so the addition of these new features is welcomed.
“So many will benefit from the project – from our visitors to wildlife – and it enhances the important role our land plays in the flood management plan.
“We know our many visitors who enjoy the space will welcome this investment and, as an independent family business which has been around for over 170 years, it will be nurtured for many years to come.”