A WILD meadow and orchard, indigenous woodland, and space for children to run free as well as quiet contemplation is part of a community nature space to be created in a village.

Dobwalls Parish Council has been successful with a bid to obtain Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding of £30,000, money given by Cornwall Council to projects that encourage greener living and reduce carbon emissions.

In Dobwalls, Section 106 money from the Wainhomes housing development is to be used to purchase two fields, one of which will be for sports pitches and facilities, the other to be devoted to a space for local people to enjoy nature.

This will be located to the east of Lantoom Meadow towards Lantoom Quarry.

“This is a Parish Council-led project but it aims to include the community through volunteer events such as tree planting and the creation of wildlife habitats,” said a Council spokesperson.

“The Parish Council would like the local school to be involved in creating the habitats and it is hoped that they will make use of the space.

“There will be circular footpaths linking the whole area. The surrounding hedgerows will be replanted in places to enhance wildlife. The benefits to the community will be many, not least the ability to exercise in a safe place, and benches will be provided for people to sit and enjoy the peace and quiet and engage with nature. Picnic tables will be installed for families to enjoy, and there will be nesting boxes, bug hotels and hedgehog hides.

“The Parish Council would like to extend its thanks to Wainhomes South West for enabling the purchase of the field and to Councillor Jane Pascoe for negotiating with Cornwall Council for the release of the funds.”

The bid itself was worked up by Cllr Pascoe together with parish clerk Linda Coles, after local people approached the Council with an idea to create an open space for the village that would provide recreation activities for all ages.

“I was thrilled that the Dobwalls project was one of 14 selected for funding,” said Cllr Pascoe.

“This was a rare opportunity for a small rural village to access funding that is normally awarded to larger settlements.

“It would have been impossible to achieve the aspirations of the villagers without this fund and it has demonstrated that Cornwall Council considers the needs of the rural areas too.”

Local people behind the project envisaged that the outcome would be a special place where everyone could get closer to nature.

“The pandemic has highlighted the need for open space to exercise locally,” said Cllr Pascoe.

“Some have small gardens and some are without, people were desperate to find a safe outdoor space.

“This achievement has boosted the morale of the village in these extraordinary and difficult times and I am looking forward to working with the village together to execute their plans.”