‘Micro-nature reserve’ to be created next to main Northamptonshire road after resident’s hard work

The work will see trees and wildflower seeds planted to create an area where nature can be enjoyed
William Miller, a retired ecologist, has worked hard to get the funding needed for this project.William Miller, a retired ecologist, has worked hard to get the funding needed for this project.
William Miller, a retired ecologist, has worked hard to get the funding needed for this project.

A retired ecologist’s campaign to create a ‘micro-nature reserve’ next to one of Northamptonshire’s busiest dual carriageways has been successful.

William Miller, who lives in Ecton Brook, has studied the area of land adjacent to the eastbound carriageway of the A45 near Ecton for 15 years.

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The 69-year-old has bid for years to get the Highways England environmental funding directed to the site, but has always been outbid.

The are will also encourage wildlife spotting.The are will also encourage wildlife spotting.
The are will also encourage wildlife spotting.

Now the proposal has been accepted and the first two-week stage of site clearance work is due to start on Monday (October 12).

The project, which is due to be completed by summer 2022, will see vegetation clearance as well as wildflower seeding and tree planting to make the area, which already has a footpath, a place where local residents can enjoy ‘visual aesthetics’ and make the most of the proposed ‘wildlife spotting opportunities’.

Mr Miller, the force behind the plans, said: “I live right next to the area and I bought the house because it backs onto the land.

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“There is a green belt between Northampton and Wellingborough and it is very valued.

According to Mr Miller, there are up to 40 species of wildflower on the land.According to Mr Miller, there are up to 40 species of wildflower on the land.
According to Mr Miller, there are up to 40 species of wildflower on the land.

“It already has a footpath across it that is hugely used for leisure purposes and dog walking.

“I have recorded between 30 and 40 species of wildflower and there is a lot of wildlife too.

“It is quite a big site and it has a lot of potential so it’s a win win all round really.

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“To see this now happening is very rewarding for me. There is a huge sense of achievement.”

Once the environmental work is complete, Mr Miller envisions residents as well as children from the three local schools enjoying the area and learning more about the flowers and wildlife.

Highways England project manager, Susan Chambers, added: “We are ambitious about protecting and enhancing the environment.

“The actions we have taken over the past few years represent a positive improvement in biodiversity and we are seeing a real change on our road network.

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“This landscaping and biodiversity project at Ecton involves targeted vegetation clearance, mowing, wildflower seeding and tree planting.

“Our goal is to provide optimum conditions for wildflowers and trees to establish and thrive.

“The first phase of work starts on October 12 and involves site clearance of overgrown shrubbery. This will allow wildflowers to flourish.

“The scheme is due to finish in June 2022.”

Mr Miller was keen to thank staff at Highways who he was ‘hugely impressed’ by.

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