Teams poised to start river corridor project

Work on a major environmental project to enhance the ‘green corridor’ along the River Slea through town has been continuing despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Improvements are planned around Lollycocks Field and Cogglesford Mill along the River Slea. EMN-200406-095903001Improvements are planned around Lollycocks Field and Cogglesford Mill along the River Slea. EMN-200406-095903001
Improvements are planned around Lollycocks Field and Cogglesford Mill along the River Slea. EMN-200406-095903001

The Witham/Slea Blue-Green Corridor is a £1.29m three-year ecological scheme that will rejuvenate rivers and riverside areas in Grantham and Sleaford, with the importance of green spaces to the health and wellbeing of communities being brought into sharper focus by the pandemic.

It will establish and improve riverside walks and river environments, safeguard and enhance wildlife habitats and connect communities along the River Witham and River Slea.

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The project is being delivered by North Kesteven District Council, working in partnership with South Kesteven District Council, the Environment Agency, National Trust and the European Union, supported by the Lincolnshire Rivers Trust and local landowners. The European Regional Development Fund has provided 60 per cent (£743,000) of the project cost, with the rest coming from the four funding partners.

Four projects have been drawn up for the River Slea: riverbank improvements at Cogglesford Mill; habitat improvements and footpath creation at Lollycocks Field; in-channel improvements from Castle Causeway to Watergate; and footpath improvement along the river to the proposed new residential development by the A15.

NKDC Executive Board member Coun Mervyn Head said: “As well as enhancing the natural environment and supporting greater biodiversity at the very heart of Sleaford, it is my great hope that through the Blue-Green Corridor project we can engage people more fully with the River Slea, which is such a special and distinct feature for the town.”

He said the project will contribute towards the environmental and climate change aspirations of North Kesteven, while improving access to the river for both local residents and visitors to Sleaford, “enhancing their enjoyment of the town, contributing greatly to the quality of the living environment and lifting everyone’s health and wellbeing”.