Page 2 - Managing Partner Awards Shortlist

Elba Park
Elba Park held regular events throughout Covid which were particularly popular with the

community at Halloween and Christmas. Lots of sessions were also held in the school
holidays supported by local Councillors with activities for families including pond dipping, bug
hunting, natural crafts, sports and games and singing. Families who attended these activities

were also given healthy snack packs to take home and enjoy. A total of 18 sessions were
held with over 400 people attending who were encouraged to explore nature and the

outdoors safely whilst also providing food for children during the school holidays.

Canvey Wick

Canvey Wick reserve is an important local facility with at least 924 volunteer hours recorded
for 2021/22. The site is often used by local Canvey Junior School and Beavers, wildlife

watchers, horse riding, dog walkers, cyclists and ramblers. Newsletters and social media
posts by the RSPB Essex team regularly feature Canvey Wick for its interesting and
extensive wildlife. The reserve is part of the Greener Thames project and former part of the

‘Back from the brink project’ and is regularly surveyed along with nearby reserves by Buglife
and Wildlife Trust volunteers as part of this project.

Nominations for Nature Space of the Year

Twywell Hills and Dales

This site is a fantastic example of species rich grassland complete with invertebrates and
higher species. The work to restore the grassland has been significant and a credit to all

involved. In addition, the work to restore the pond and increase the levels of light has
benefited many species.

Castle Hill Country Park
With significant habitat improvement works carried out by volunteers, Castle Hill will continue

to thrive. It already has a good population of nesting Skylarks and our work with the Wiltshire
Wildlife Trust, is set to continue with site surveys and habitat improvement works. Our
relationship with the neighbouring development has seen the site receive reptiles through a
relocation process, and six hibernacula were built to support them. A barn owl box is due to

be erected, as they are known on site and the rough grassland habitat is perfect habitat for
their favoured food. More than 360 trees have been planted this past year, both of native

broadleaf and heritage orchard varieties too. Scrub clearance, invasive species control and
maintaining wildflower areas means that this year, the site has taken a big step forward in
plans to improve the site for wildlife.