Picturesque open space unveiled for Hilton residents

St. Modwen has completed the delivery of a brand-new area of green open space at its Hilton Valley development in Derbyshire.

The space benefits from an enhanced landscape, including a collection of woodland walks, where residents of all ages can explore the natural delights of the woodland and learn more about the area in which they live.

Improvements to natural habitats, including the addition of a new pond and wildflowers, will also greatly benefit local wildlife, providing new homes for a variety of insects, reptiles and ground nesting birds.

The opening of this space on the day ‘Lockdown 2’ commenced was a great example of how we as a business are working hard to support our communities and help improve their health, wellbeing and quality life.

As part of the project team and a member of our Health and Wellbeing Responsible Business Group, now, more than ever, we know that keeping well and looking after both physical and mental health is so important for members of our communities. Spending time in fresh air is one of the easiest ways to ensure we feel rejuvenated and energised.

We’ve worked hard to create a space that current and future Hilton residents can be proud of, not only do these areas improve and create new habitats for wildlife, they provide environmental, social, educational, and health and wellbeing benefits to local residents and their families.”

Andrea Clarke, Residential Portfolio Manager at St. Modwen

Before the latest national lockdown was announced, an official launch event had been planned to introduce the space to the children at the neighbouring Mease Spenser Academy.  Sam Beckett, from the Hilton Conservation Group, was set to guide the children in an outdoor activity session.

Diversity of local wildlife is something we can often take for granted. Features of the new space in Hilton are quite remarkable, in that they encourage natural regeneration and make space for new species to thrive. I look forward to coming back to run activities with local children, as soon as it is possible to do so.”

Sam Beckett, Hilton Conservation Group

As we’re in such close proximity to the Hilton Valley development, we’ve been watching and waiting for the moment the open space was completed.

Our children will benefit greatly from exposure to such an interesting landscape, which offers so many opportunities for them to learn about the environment and local wildlife. Of course, they also can’t wait to play in the large open space which we simply didn’t have before! We’re very grateful to St. Modwen for developing such a valuable community asset.”

Julia Hart, Principal of The Mease Spenser Academy

We have just been to the water pond and new walkway through the woods and it is fantastic! What an amazing feature to have right on our doorstep.

It’s such a shame we couldn’t have a celebration to thank the teams involved in person, hopefully, this will be something we can do when things return to normal.”

Rosie Coulton, Hilton Valley resident

An aerial video has been created to show the features of the space and its proximity to the local school.