Dundee City Council's Neighbourhood Services Committee is to consider a wide variety of outdoor environmental improvement works proposed throughout the city, which could benefit both local people and wildlife.

Councillors will hear of various plans, including the installation of over 100 amphibian ladders in Ballumbie and Claverhouse to help common frogs and toads exit from natural spots such as ponds.

The initiative is supported through the Scottish Government Nature Restoration Fund and follows trials which show over a 90% success rate in helping such trapped amphibians.

Proposals also include the introduction of new small-scale biodiversity improvements to existing greenspaces in Court Street, Maryfield. The investment would see planting of fruit trees, wildflower areas, and biodiversity & wildlife-attracting bulb areas.

Neighbourhood Services Committee Convener Councillor Heather Anderson said: 'The council's Environment service are putting forward a wide array of outdoor improvements here which will benefit users of Dundee's outdoor spaces.

-- Advertisement --

'We are committed to the city's Biodiversity Action Plan and it's important we can do everything we can to prevent the decline of priority species in our patch such as the common frogs and toads. The external funding acquired for this will go far in helping the hotspots in Ballumbie and Claverhouse.

'The wide scale proposals show the importance of us continuing to maintain and improve our city outdoor spaces from parks to cemeteries. These plans are part of our wider 2022/23 programme which delivers on improvement works across the city.”

The plans also include the upgrading of shrub beds at the Central West entrance of Baxter Park in order to improve security and improve sight lines for users. If approved, Baxter Park would also see the creation of new bulb-planting areas and trees planted.

A variety of improvements would also take place at Claypotts Curling Pond with works to the boundary hedge and fencing, the installation of a new path line, new litter bins, and additional tree-planting put forward for the green area.

At Grassy Beach, upgrades to the seating area, remodelling of the street furniture including new bins, benches and concrete pads are proposed, as well as the installation of glacial boulders, and bulb & low-level planting.

Elsewhere, it is proposed that various infrastructure works take place at both Balgay and Eastern Cemetery for visitors.

The plans would include a total spend of £149,403 with works set to begin this month, if approved.

The Neighbourhood Services Committee will meet on Monday 21st November.