A safe and secure exercise paddock for dogs is to open shortly at Wyndham Park in Grantham, an area which doubles as a wildlife habitat to boost biodiversity.
It has become reality thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund money following feedback demanding a scheme to Make Space for Nature.
The new paddock is a secure area where dogs can be safely exercised on or off the lead, and is being dedicated to wildflower meadow planted with trees, to enable this important dual use – something 71% of residents polled were in favour of.
As a local authority committed to reducing carbon emissions and helping to ensure the district is well adapted to the demands of a changing climate, South Kesteven District Council is constantly looking for opportunities to encourage biodiversity wherever and whenever it can.
The nature area opens on Monday (26th).
Cabinet Member for Environment, Cllr Rhys Baker, said: “This wildflower meadow will support bees and other pollinators while also bringing nature back to our district.
“We know that spending time in nature is good for our physical and mental health. When SKDC invests in habitats and wildlife, we are investing in our wellbeing.
“Changes to how we manage key open spaces can ‘make space for nature’ This supports biodiversity and helps our wildlife recover.
“When we protect our habitats we protect our rural home. We get more shade in the summer and reduce the impact of flooding in the winter.
“Keeping and improving open green spaces like those in Wyndham Park also tackles pollution, makes the park cooler in the summer, and - as an added bonus - locks away CO2.”
Deputy Leader of the Council Cllr Paul Stokes, who is Cabinet Member for Arts and Leisure, said: “Our public open spaces are important for dog walking, leisure, sport and other community activities.
“As such, our rewilding efforts are being carefully trialled to gauge public support and test practical impacts as we seek new areas around the whole District to include in this initiative.”
The 4,000sq m paddock is at east side of Wyndham Park, adjacent to Sandon Road.
Eleven trees were planted as part of this project. Native species of Field Maple, English Oak, Hawthorn and Scots Pine.
The Wyndham Park space for nature is on the east side of the park adjacent to Sandon Road.
It covers 4,025 sq m of parkland. Just under half – some 2,000 square metres – is meadow. There will be wide mown pathways, the tree planting and 260 metres of perimeter fencing.
Local people and those who visit Wyndham Park were asked what they thought of the proposal in a consultation during February 2025. The survey was structured to reflect the proposed dual use of the land and included details such as the number and types of trees which would be planted, seating that would be provided and the height of the secure fencing.