The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Dundonians turn out in force to support Magdalen Green biodiversity plan.
Sections of Magdalen Green could be left uncut to help wildlife
Dundonians have overwhelmingly backed plans for biodiversity zones in the city’s oldest park.
Almost 400 people responded to the West End Community Council’s consultation on the future of uncut areas in Magdalen Green.
More than three-quarters of respondents supported leaving parts of the park uncut and wider council proposals to allow similar areas elsewhere to grow to help insects and birds across the city.
But members of the Friends of Magdalen Green group, who initially supported leaving a small part of the park uncut before withdrawing its support, have questioned the survey results. They claim too many people living close to the park are still unaware of the biodiversity proposals.
A spokesman for the community council said 397 people had responded to its consultation, with 76% in favour or neutral.
Working with Dundee City Council officers, the group had identified five areas in the park that could remain uncut.
He said: “The fact that we had almost 400 responses, the large majority of these positive, is great news for the west end and shows that people in the area care about the environment and making Dundee a greener, healthier place.
“There are of course some challenges to be overcome, but we believe this can be achieved and we look forward to working with the community and DCC for a positive result.”
The community around Magdalen Green was the first to be consulted as part of wider plans to leave uncut areas in 26 parks across Dundee.
Grasses and flowers in the areas have grown up during lockdown and maintenance workers will leave them uncut while officers work with community groups.
Sandra Mcdowall, Friends of Magdalen Green secretary, said many residents, including some who live close to the green, were upset because they had no knowledge of the survey until after the fact.
She said: “We also note that some of the responses came from people who live outwith the west end, so the residents were really not consulted.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson, said: “We welcome the feedback collected on the proposed biodiversity plans for Magdalen Green, through the West End Community Council’s consultation.
“We will continue to seek the views of local residents and communities of interest to ensure that all views are fully considered prior to any further development of the biodiversity zones.”