Nature Recovery Plan

At The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, we cherish nature not only for its intrinsic value but also for the myriad opportunities it offers for people to engage, learn, and unwind. Amidst a backdrop of recreational and educational pursuits, our small urban park serves as a sanctuary where visitors can reconnect with nature, fostering health and well-being benefits. Volunteering also plays a crucial role in our mission, providing invaluable support for park management and wildlife conservation.

However, the urgent call of the global Climate Emergency reverberates within all of Thanet’s parks. Climate change, pollution, and burgeoning visitor numbers pose unprecedented challenges to our cherished landscapes and wildlife. The accelerating loss of biodiversity underscores the imperative for action, as emphasised by the United Nations which stated in 2019 that “The loss of species, ecosystems and genetic diversity is already a global and generational threat to human well-being… Protecting the invaluable contributions of nature to people will be the deﬁning challenge of decades to come.”

As stewards of The Oval Bandstand & Lawns, we recognise our responsibility to confront these challenges head-on. Through a comprehensive five-year nature recovery plan, which we will develop in close partnership with our community, we aim to spearhead transformative initiatives in collaboration with our partners and visitors. Together, we can conserve and enhance our natural heritage, ensuring its splendour endures for generations to come.

Project Outcomes

Implementing a new 5-year Nature Recovery Plan for a coastal park like The Oval Bandstand & Lawns at Walpole Bay in Cliftonville could lead to numerous positive ecological outcomes. Here’s a list of potential outcomes:

Habitat Restoration: Restore and enhance degraded habitats, increasing biodiversity and providing homes for a variety of plant and animal species.
Species Protection: Create protected areas and implement conservation measures to safeguard rare or threatened species native to the area.
Native Plant Reintroduction: Reintroduce native plant species to the area, promoting pollinator populations and providing food and shelter for wildlife.
Erosion Control: Implement erosion control measures such as stabilising cliffs with native vegetation to prevent further coastal erosion and loss of habitat.
Invasive Species Management: Control and manage invasive plant species that threaten native biodiversity, allowing native species to thrive and reducing competition for resources.
Educational Programs: Develop educational programs and interpretive signage to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity, ecosystem services, and conservation efforts within the park.
Community Engagement: Engage local communities and volunteers in conservation activities such as habitat restoration, invasive species removal, and wildlife monitoring, fostering a sense of stewardship and ownership over the park.
Carbon Sequestration: Promote the growth of carbon-sequestering vegetation such as trees and shrubs, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts.
Enhanced Recreational Opportunities: Designate areas for low-impact recreational activities, providing opportunities for people to connect with nature while minimising negative impacts on wildlife and habitats.
Research Opportunities: Provide opportunities for scientific research and monitoring to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts, monitor biodiversity trends, and inform future management decisions.
Improved Connectivity: Enhance habitat connectivity within the park by creating wildlife corridors and green infrastructure networks, allowing for the movement of species and genetic exchange between populations.

The successful implementation of a 5-year nature recovery plan for The Oval Bandstand & Lawns could result in a healthier, more resilient coastal ecosystem that supports a diverse array of plant and animal species while providing recreational and educational opportunities for the local community.