WILDLIFE and gardening enthusiasts in Launceston should keep November 18 free on the calendar, with a project hoping to create a new outdoor space and allow wildlife to thrive taking place just outside Coronation Park.

Launceston lady, Lorna Denney, has been in talks with Cornwall Council, councillors and others interested in the concept, to create a project that will see an overgrown, unused plot of land bordering Coronation Park and the Trecarrell Estate transformed into a wildlife garden for everyone — both locals and nature alike — to enjoy.

The Launceston Wildlife Garden project will provide a space for local people to enjoy the environment, as well as supply a community project for everyone in Launceston to get involved in if they wish to.

The plot of land is owned by Cornwall Council, and borders Coronation Park and Trecarrell Estate in Launceston.

After discussions with the authority, and Cornwall Councillor for Launceston South, Jade Farrington (Lib Dem), Lorna has been given the go ahead to pursue the project further, and has now arranged the first stage of work for November 18, giving local people the chance to come along and give the team a hand.

The idea was formed after a simple discussion on social media suggested that people wanted to see the land in use again.

Lorna told the Post: “I had the idea for a wildlife garden when I saw some comments on Facebook about some unused, overgrown land just outside Coronation Park, and how they thought it would be nice to see the area in use again. I thought to myself, ‘I can do that!’”

Lorna then approached Cllr Farrington, who put her in touch with the relevant people in order to kick-start her project. After receiving permission from Cornwall Council to work on the land, which was formerly an old plant nursery, and CORMAC’S volunteer programme agreed to do the insurance and lend Lorna the essential equipment, she has come up with a date to start the work.

She said: “On Saturday, November 18 we will start work on the area. It’s just behind the Trecarrell estate and is accessed through Coronation Park.

“My plan is to clear the old paths of brambles, plant wild flowers and make a shallow pond with the aim of enhancing the area, encourage wildlife and opening it up again for local residents to visit and enjoy. I’m hoping that local people will want to help and the response so far has been very positive.”

She added: “Everyone will be made welcome — you don’t need to be super fit or an experienced gardener. People who are interested in getting involved can contact me via the Launceston Wildlife Group Facenook group or by emailing me at [email protected].”

The team will be working from 9am until dusk on November 18, so people are very welcome to drop in at any point that is convenient for them. If anyone is unsure exactly where it is, Lorna will be outside the leisure centre entrance, at the bottom of Coronation Park, at 9am, or people can email her to arrange a time to meet.

Lorna said: “I’m also hoping local businesses will be able to help me with materials that will be needed, such as donating benches, bird boxes and bug hotels, so I would really welcome any contact.

“Woburn Residents’ Association have very kindly donated a box full of wild flower seeds to get us started.”

Cllr Farrington said: “It’s absolutely brilliant when someone notices a problem and then actually decides to do something about it to help improve our town. Lorna has a lovely vision to make Launceston Wildlife Garden into a beautiful place, which everyone can enjoy.

“I hope local people and businesses will want to support the project by turning up on November 18, by donating items for the garden, or by contacting Lorna to offer their help at another time if they can’t make it to the first volunteer day.”

To offer assistance, find out more information about the project and where to meet on November 18, email Lorna on [email protected]