Island and part of path in Cleethorpes Country Park named in memory of former council ecologist

                                                      

Family, friends and country park enthusiasts gather for the naming ceremony 

THE former chief ecologist at  North East Lincolnshire Council has had an island and part of a path  in Cleethorpes Country Park named after him .

Mike Sleight joined as a part-time Park Ranger in 1997 and went on to have a 22-year career in ecology before retiring. 

Sadly, last year, Mike passed away, aged 73, after spending his life championing and nurturing  wildlife.

During his tenure, Mike spent time looking after all 62 parks within the borough as well as playing an essential part in the creation of Cleethorpes Country Park alongside his predecessor Martin Wragg.

The pair helped plant countless trees and created numerous wildflower meadows to make it what it is today.

Arguably, his lifelong goal was achieved when, in 2008, Natural England recommended the park be designated as a Local Nature Reserve as it offered a level of biodiversity and variety of habitats of a good quality, and recreation to the community and visitors.

Thanks to their work, the park now has protected species on site, such as bats, great crested newts, water vole, occasional otter visits as well as the floral biodiversity and faunal biodiversity of invertebrates, other mammals, red and amber listed birds.

It also has a number of amenities such as fishing pegs with accessibility and pond-dipping platforms, a boat ramp and picnic areas.

Says Rachel Graham, who succeeded Mike as NELC ecology manager: "Mike’s vision for the country park was a place where nature and people could thrive together, creating a space for habitats and wildlife that we can also share and enjoy, as long as we respect that.

Agrees NELC's portfolio for the environment, Cllr Henry Hudson: "The country park is a jewel in the crown of North East Lincolnshire - providing a habitat for a wide range of wildlife."                    

Remembering NELC's former ecology chief 

Great White Egret (left) and Heron at Cleethorpes Country Park

Fox on country park island - it must have swum there

Water vole on manoeuvres in country park

Sign denoting the range of wildlife to be found in the country park