The secrets of nature are being brought to life by bright new information panels throughout the park meadows of Grantham's Queen Elizabeth Park.

They are part of a wider project that has seen bins, benches and fishing platforms replaced or upgraded, as well as installation of new picnic benches and improvements to the pathways.

South Kesteven District Council has worked with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to implement the community-led improvements, contributing £9,000 of the total cost of £21,000.

Cllr Dr Peter Moseley, SKDC Cabinet Member for Commercial and Operations, said: "These information boards are another great addition to Queen Elizabeth Park and will be invaluable to explain this rich wildlife habitat.

"There's an abundance of wildlife just metres away - and without these boards you wouldn't know what's by your side, so I would encourage everyone to stop for a moment and read about it.

"It's fascinating to learn more about the river itself, the history of Harrowby Mill, the fishing pond and the silver birches in the Diamond Grove. What an asset to the town this park is, proving that sometimes the best things in life really are free."

Secretary of the Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park, Elizabeth Bowskill, said: "We all know how important public open spaces are, especially with the way our lives have changed recently.

"The icing on the cake would be to achieve Green Flag status for Queen Elizabeth Park in recognition of the work that the Council and the Friends of Queen Elizabeth Park have put in over many years."

The boards are at Harrowby Mill, the fishing pond, Diamond Grove and along the Witham and explain the history and nature of the area, looking at water mills and geography, plus the local fish, newts and bird life visitors might see on their walk through the park.

The earliest mention of a mill in Harrowby is in the Domesday Book of 1086, when the whole manor was valued at ten shillings. The mill was demolished in around 1967.

Improvement work includes:

· Creation of a meadows

· Replacing litter bins and seats

· Installation of picnic tables, interpretation signs and a flag pole

· Completion of ecological studies to better understand site biodiversity

· Engagement with the local community

· Upgrading the park website to include learning materials

· Developing a nature trail and visitor guide

· Developing a site management plan to support the bid for a Green Flag award