FALMOUTH has been selected to be part of Cornwall Council's 'Making Space for Nature' project.

The £2.9 million Making Space for Nature project is transforming unloved town 'green deserts' into wildlife-friendly spaces.

Cornwall's Environmental Growth Strategy has been brainstorming ideas to create space and conditions for more abundant, productive and healthier habitats, species and natural systems which in turn, improve the lives of people.

Making Space for Nature's targets in September will be The Beacon in Falmouth, Towan Blystra Road in Newquay, Lanchard Woods at Liskeard, the A391 in St. Austell, and Windmill Park, Launceston, followed by a rolling programme of other sites running through until March 2021.

Geoff Brown, Cabinet Member for Transport, said:

"So often Cormac and Highways are decried for concentrating too much on transport and engineering. But here we see biodiversity engineering in action, and it's winning praise, prizes and public acclaim. Long may it continue. We will be working with local communities this winter to refine our verge cutting policy to create even more success next season."

In total, an area the size of 28 rugby pitches is being renovated, including spaces such as recreation grounds, parks, the edges of sports fields and closed churchyards to create havens for bees, butterflies, birds and hedgehogs.

Cornwall Council's Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Edwina Hannaford, added:

"By next summer all these verges, parks and new rewilded spaces will be buzzing with insects, which is so important for the planet. I am really pleased to see Cornwall Council setting such an impressive pace, including our Forest for Cornwall planting."

[H3] What do you think about the project? Let us know on our Twitter and Facebook pages. [.H2]