A former garage in Stonehouse is to be transformed as part of a re-wilding project.

At Wharfdale Way, the council-owned playground and former garage site will have wildflowers sown, pollinator-friendly shrubs planted, improved fencing and increased access onto the canal towpath.

A new pond will be dug at Court View for the resident population of Great Crested newts, and wild flowers will also be sown at Boakes Drive to encourage pollinators.

Further enhancements will be made to provide seating and provide more opportunities to play once plans have been finalised.

Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has started working on the Wild Towns project, which has received funding from the European Regional Development Fund and is being match funded by Stroud District Council and Stonehouse Town Council.

A public consultation was carried out by the two council's last year to seek the views of local people ahead of a National Lottery Heritage bid for the Stroudwater Canal to be restored.

Alison Fisk, SDC’s head of property services said: “We have listened to the views of local people and responded positively with a plan to improve the natural environment for the benefit of all.

"I am proud that the partnership between Stroud District Council, Stonehouse Town Council and Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust can make a real difference to these three sites, which will be fully established when Stonehouse is a canal town once again.”

Will Masefield, GWT’s Wild Towns project manager said: “We’re thrilled to be able to work with so many partners and local communities to make Stonehouse a more wildlife-friendly town and to help people to access that wildlife.

"Projects like Wild Towns can provide a springboard for similar initiatives that continue to champion wildlife in our towns and bring people closer to the nature on their doorsteps at a time when it needs all the help it can get.”

Nadine Smykatz-Kloss, project officer at Stroud Valleys Project added: “It’s great to be involved.

"We have been involved with the Stonehouse newt pond for many years now and have carried out an annual great crested newt survey where we involve the public and show them why this pond is so valuable.

"We have started a new volunteer group specifically for this project. By meeting residents whilst working there, volunteers and residents get to chat to each other and often residents get involved, too, as they can see the benefit this work will bring them. Together we can make those places more attractive for wildlife and people. It’s a win-win for the environment and for people.”

Proposals to include moorings on Boakes Drive Green will not go ahead as they were not supported by residents.

Initial ideas for the schemes can be seen at stroud.gov.uk/wharfdale

Information on GWT’s Wild Towns project can be found at gloucestershirewildlifetrust.co.uk/erdf