Introduction
The aim of the project was to consult with the local community on the development of a corner of the Marshfield Bank Employment Park into a community woodland and nature conservation site. The Neighbourhood Initiatives Foundation were asked by Marshfield Green Watch Group to undertake a “Planning for Real” consultation on this development. The consultation area is situated in a corner of Marshfield Bank Employment Park, on the western edge of Crewe. The area in the immediate vicinity of the proposed community woodland site is predominantly residential and industrial. The employment site is still developing, and the conservation/wildlife site will eventually be completely enclosed by this development and housing. The proposed site is of a diverse nature with various habitats, including rough grassland, trees and shrubs with open water and marshy areas. Great Crested Newts, a protected species, have been found on the site.
Methodology
Two local schools helped with making the model. Members of Marshfield Green Watch Group were given training in “Planning for Real”, and two “Planning for Real” consultation events were held with Green Watch members acting as facilitators. The model formed the focus of the consultation and there was also supplementary information and displays of information and photographs by the Green Watch Group.
Over 90 people took part in the consultation. As participants were leaving the consultation, they were invited to fill in a pin board that asked “Do you think it is important that this site is protected?”. Of the 78 who answered, all but 1 agreed it was important. There were 395 cards placed on the model. The most popular suggestions were those concerned with nature conservation. In addition, there was consensus that a footpath is needed and that there should be disabled access into the site. Those taking part would like to see bird and bat boxes, litterbins and a wildlife viewing hide. People were concerned about dog mess and the need for a dog walking area. Planting to encourage wildlife and planting more trees also received a high number of suggestions.
A prioritising session was held in May with approximately 15 people. Many of the suggestions were prioritised as NOW, high priority, and identified as being things the Green Watch Group can do on their own, for example planting to encourage wildlife, clean up the area, provide bird boxes, provide and information board and replant trees.
Summing up
The consultation was very successful in that it reached a wide age range and participants included many local residents and school children. Several of the participants expressed an interest in being involved further with the group, and many of the children who took part also expressed an interest in further involvement.
The results show that there is interest in the site despite ongoing problems with vandalism. A number of projects have been highlighted through the consultation that the Green Watch Group could take on, either themselves or in partnership, and others for which they could apply for funding. Other extra uses for the site have been suggested, such as an area for community events and areas for dog walkers, with other areas kept dog free.
