Cleethorpes Country Park Island and path named after former Council ecologist

Mike Sleight joined as a part-time Park Ranger in 1997 and went on to have a 22-year career in Ecology before retiring. Despite calling time on his day job, Mike continued to check on the park and do anything he could to make it a better place to visit.

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

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

In 2003, Mike named the park’s new foot and cycle path from Humberstone Road to the centre circle after Martin Wragg who Mike couldn’t have created the park without. 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, SPA birds and aquatic species.

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

Naming a section of the foot and cycle path, joining Martin Wragg Way to Link Road, after Mike formalises his dedication and recognises the people who brought the site to life.

His family also recognise the lake island as synonymous with Mike and requested the naming of it as Mike Sleight Island with an associated interpretation board.

Rachel Graham, Ecology Manager and close friend of Mike’s, said: “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.

“It’s a piece of the countryside complete with farming practices, retained from what was once marsh land and then arable fields, in what is now an urban setting. Being able to use the park for education and engagement, exercise, fishing, dog swimming or just passing through while being surrounded by nature is the legacy that Mike has given us.”

Councillor Henry Hudson, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Net Zero, added: “I am thrilled to say we have been able to make this idea a reality. Cleethorpes Country Park wouldn’t exist without the hard work of Mike and Martin so it’s great that the pair of them have some form of a dedication.

“This park is a jewel in the crown of North East Lincolnshire, offering a vibrant range of animals and plants as well as an excellent location for people to go fishing or walk their dog.

“I would also like to thank Mike’s family for their input in ensuring this is carried out in the best way possible, cementing his legacy in the place that meant the most to him.”