A project that's turning green deserts into wildlife-friendly spaces across Cornwall has received a prestigious award.

Cornwall Council's Making Space for Nature project is transforming recreation grounds, parks, edges of sports fields, verges, and closed churchyards to create havens for bees, butterflies, birds, and hedgehogs.

The Cornwall Council and University of Exeter project team are working with Cormac across seven towns in Cornwall: Bodmin, Falmouth, Launceston, Liskeard, Newquay, Penryn, and St Austell. In total, an area approximately the size of 28 rugby pitches will be improved for biodiversity.

The project strategy has recently been assessed and audited against the national Building with Nature standards - a new benchmark for green infrastructure – and was accredited with the highest level of award – Building with Nature 'Excellent'.

The award summary states:

"This project strategy represents a national exemplar in the design, delivery, and maintenance of high-quality green infrastructure for the benefit of people and wildlife, now and long into the future.

"It is clear from review of this policy document that Cornwall Council is committed to the principles of high-quality green infrastructure which underpin the Building with Nature benchmark."

Councillor Martyn Alvey, portfolio holder for Environment and Climate Change at Cornwall Council, said:

"Cornwall is in a climate and ecological emergency and we must create healthier habitats everywhere to help support our local wildlife.

"The Making Space for Nature project is a superb example of how we can benefit both people and wildlife by improving green spaces.

"I'd like to congratulate everyone involved in this project so far and look forward to seeing the finished results."

The team is looking for volunteers who want to help make their local area better for people and wildlife. For more information on how you can get involved email [email protected].

The Making Space for Nature project (Green Infrastructure for Growth 2) is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with Cornwall Council and the University of Exeter providing match funding.

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