The future of Monkton Park in Chippenham will focus on boosting biodiversity and community opportunities, as one of the devolved assets transferred to Chippenham Town Council from Wiltshire Council.

The amenities, culture and leisure committee have recently agreed to adopt a five-year management plan for the park.

Councillors highlighted the fact that Monkton Park is an important corridor for wildlife through Chippenham.

Chair of the committee, Cllr Desna Allen, said: "This Management Plan will revitalise Monkton Park into a beautiful open space for our residents, provide a visitor attraction, and educational site but also support the council's work in declaring a climate emergency and setting up a Climate Emergency Advisory Group which identifies areas on which the council can improve."

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: Monkton Park River in Chippenham. Scenesetters. Pics by Diane Vose DV3060/02Monkton Park River in Chippenham. Scenesetters. Pics by Diane Vose DV3060/02

The new plan considers wildflower areas and the importance of wildlife.

Nick Self of Wild Landscapes, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust added: "We are delighted to be working with Chippenham Town Council and its community to develop this plan which will ensure Monkton Park thrives and supports a varied habitat for many years to come."

The Management Plan was developed in partnership with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust with an extensive consultation process with residents and partner organisations.

The plan considers:

The River Avon corridor: The importance to wildlife and improving bankside habitat

Formal Parkland: Mature tree management, regenerative planting and understorey creation

Informal Parkland: Grassland, scrub, woodland habitat matrix, with an improved scrub and grassland management

Baydons Wood: Change of management routine to increase biodiversity of both flora and fauna

Orchard: Engage the local community to establish an orchard group who will plant an orchard

Wildflower areas with pollinators