** UPDATE ** (Thursday 22 September). In light of the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the public drop-in workshop events for the Deerswood Meadow survey were postponed. Revised dates for the sessions are below, along with the extended deadline for responses.
Residents are being asked for their views on how to improve an open space in Maidenhead with the launch of a survey today (Monday 5 September).
It will gather feedback on how Deerswood Meadow could be enhanced for the benefit of wildlife and visitors, asking people for their feedback on what is most important at the site which comprises mostly grassland and some scrub, with some small, wooded areas.
The Royal Borough wants to create a space for nature and residents that enhances local biodiversity and provides benefits for the local community, helping to support wellbeing and encourage enjoyment of this space by increasing access to it.
Suggestions for the area include bat and bird boxes, a wildflower meadow, new trees, a wildlife hedge, ponds, natural play area, fitness trail, sensory garden, community orchard, an art space and cycle racks. The council would like to hear resident feedback on these ideas, or any others they may have.
The deadline for responses is Sunday 16 October.
Two drop-in events for people to find out more will be held at Braywick Nature Centre in Maidenhead. There’s no need to book, just turn up. These will be held on:
• Monday 3 October – 5pm to 6.15pm
• Tuesday 11 October – 7.45pm to 9pm.
Feedback will be carefully considered before any decisions are made on to how to improve the site.
Councillor David Coppinger, Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Parks & Countryside & Maidenhead, said: “Our adopted Borough Local Pan allocates the site for ‘green infrastructure’ providing a local pocket park, a habitat area and flood attenuation. We have an exciting opportunity to enhance Deerswood Meadow for nature and residents and we want to hear from you on how this could be best achieved, and on options to make this an area of natural diversity, but open to all to enjoy.
“Please do get involved, share your feedback on your preferences for improving the site, as well as your own ideas. We know how important this area is to the community and we want your input on how it could be improved going forward.
“As a council, we are committed to increasing biodiversity across our borough, and protecting and enhancing our natural environment. We want to increase the number of residents who enjoy our green spaces on a regular basis and feel they are able to access quality green spaces easily. With projects such as this we are taking positive steps towards fulfilling these ambitions and creating great places for our residents to enjoy.”
For more information and to take part in the survey, visit https://rbwmtogether.rbwm.gov.uk/deerswood-meadow-consultation
You can also send feedback by post to Braywick Nature Centre, Hibbert Road, Maidenhead, SL6 1UU.