AS WORK begins towards the Salisbury River Park project, some parking spaces will be temporarily removed and footpaths diverted.

This initial stage will also involve the removal of trees, prior to the nesting bird season.

Councillors and agencies however are welcoming the scheme and its preparations, branding it as "a lasting legacy for future generations".

Given the green light last year, the river park project has an objective to reduce risk of flooding for around 250 homes and improve biodiversity and green space across Salisbury.

The scheme covers land at Ashley Road open space and Fisherton Recreation Ground, and land in the Maltings, pictured, and Central Car Park area.

Read more: Construction on first phase of river park scheme set for early 2022

The first six weeks of onsite preparations, due to start this month, will focus on trees and vegetation.

Trees need to be removed as part of the scheme, says the Environment Agency, but the project team will later plant six times as many trees as it removes.

The agency added the material will be reused onsite where possible.

Some parking spaces will be temporarily removed during the initial works to "allow space for a site compound and to ensure public safety" as well as footpath and cycleway diversions in place.

Further minor work will continue after the vegetation clearance, including trapping and relocating water voles to a suitable habitat further downstream.

Ron Curtis, area flood and coastal risk manager at the Environment Agency, said protecting the community is the agency's "top priority", adding: "This is the first step in providing better flood protection for the city."

The main construction work is due to begin in May and will continue through to December 2023.

The project is a collaboration between the Environment Agency, Wiltshire Council and Salisbury City Council, with funding provided by Defra, Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership, the Wessex Regional Flood and Coastal Committee, Department for Education and National Highways.

Dr Mark McClelland, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for transport, waste, street scene and flooding, said:"The Salisbury River Park project is the first initiative from the Salisbury Central Area Framework to come forward and we are excited to see work starting on the site at the end of the month.

"It has real potential to transform the area providing a lasting legacy for future generations."

Echoing Cllr McClelland's excitement, mayor of Salisbury Caroline Corbin added: "This is an exciting project for Salisbury – both in terms of creating a wildlife pathway and enhancing our rivers but also in developing a greener city for our residents to enjoy.

"I’m delighted that the work is now starting and ask that everyone remain tolerant during the construction process."

"Great news for the city", David Lovibond, chairman of the Milford Area Preservation Group said: “All those who have worked on the River Park project are to be congratulated.

"Here in Milford, the rewilding of Milford Hollow has involved the planting of hundreds of native woodland flowers and shrubs – and the introduction of biodiversity and of light into a long-neglected area.

"Whether our work is on the scale of the River Park or that of Milford Hollow, we share the same aim: to bring a sense of the countryside into the city.”

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