We are inviting residents to share their ideas for the creation of six new nature reserves within existing open spaces across the district.
The project will see a section of land enhanced at each of the following locations proposed by ward councillors:
- Land off Eastern Avenue (west of Curborough Road opposite Stychbrook Park)
- Land off Coulter Lane
- Darnford Park
- Saddlers Park
- Shortbutts Park
- York Close Woodland
The proposed nature reserves will balance the needs of people and wildlife, featuring areas of long grass rich in wildflowers and pollinators alongside short grass to maintain easy access for walkers and visitors.
Woodland areas will be carefully managed through selective thinning, allowing larger, mature trees to flourish while improving visibility and accessibility.
There will also be opportunities to introduce new wildlife-friendly features such as bee banks, nature scrapes (a scrape is a shallow area in a body of water supporting biodiversity), hedgehog shelters and even ponds — creating more diverse habitats and supporting local species.
Residents are being encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas on what they would like to see included at each site.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Lichfield District Council’s Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste, said:
“We’re really excited about these plans, which are about adding another feature to open spaces in Lichfield District that create better habitats for wildlife.”
The six proposed nature reserves will form part of the council’s Biodiversity Gain Sites programme, delivered in partnership with Lichfield West Midlands Traded Services (LWM) - the council’s wholly owned company.
Under this model, LWM will manage each nature reserve site on a day-to-day basis, while Lichfield District Council retains ownership and oversight.
Each area will be protected and managed for at least 30 years, funded through contributions from developers who offset the biodiversity impacts of new developments.
Residents can share their ideas for enhancing the district’s green spaces by emailing ecology@lichfielddc.gov.uk by 30 November 2025.