On 30 January 2025, The Mayor, Councillor Janette Potter, was invited to open John Shennan Field as a newly declared Local Nature Reserve by cutting the ribbon with, and speaking on behalf of, the local community.

In her address to those attending the opening, Cllr. Potter said “In achieving this local nature reserve status, this area will provide a more natural environment for the wildlife here on the doorstep of the local residents”

Natural England recognise Local Nature Reserves are spaces for both wildlife and people, creating a space of special interest for locals, and backed the declaration, made by Chelmsford City Council on 8 October 2024, for John Shennan Field to become a Local Nature Reserve (LNR). Natural England and the LNR’s goals for these green spaces align with Our Chelmsford, Our Plan that is creating a fairer, greener and more connected community. Tackling habitat loss which is part of the strategy was of key importance with this site, and the field is becoming an important natural resource for the local ecosystems.

Striving to grow the existing habitats and encouraging more to the area is important in the site’s development and could see reptiles like slow worms and species like bats becoming increasing residents of the site! The boundaries and fenced areas provide protection for ground nesting birds, reptiles and small mammals which will hopefully maximise biodiversity.

The lands history can be traced back with early archive photos showing it as part of a thriving rural scene in the 1920s. Following its later use as a gravel pit and waste tip, the site was given to the Council as Open Space. The Field had been named after the Borough Parks Superintendent of Oaklands – John Shennan, at the time when the site was used as a closely cropped sports field. As the ex-landfill settled the ground became uneven rendering it unsuitable as a sports field, however the area continued to be closely mown as an informal recreation area, before a gradual balanced introduction of more nature friendly characteristics.

This balance was evident at the ceremonial opening when a few wagtails (small ground feeding birds), hopped about nearby as the Mayor gave her speech. Other local site users shared earlier sighting of buzzards and noted what a popular site this is for local walkers.

A key objective is to further enhance the biodiversity of the site, managing the different habitats such as grassland, and the range of newly planted young native tree species. The Local Nature Reserve is not just about nature and conservation, this well used space with a high monthly footfall is also used as a local recreational space.  As well as taking in the variety of life that’s thriving in the space, when people visit it will be an escape from urban life making it a wellbeing experience, allowing them to slow down and get in touch with nature and themselves.

Councillor Rose Moore, the Councils Cabinet Member for Greener Chelmsford, in her speech noted “it is very clear that this green space is loved and valued by those who visit and talked about with great affection”

John Shennan Field achieving this status, and being recognised for its contribution to the wellbeing of both the local community and biodiversity, is something to celebrate and in coming years it will be a site to watch as the biodiversity continues to grow.

For those wanting to get involved, regular park volunteer sessions are held on site, please use our volunteers contact form at: https://loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/volunteer/

https://loveyourchelmsford.co.uk/green-spaces/find-a-green-space/john-shennan/