A GREEN space near a primary school is being made even more nature-friendly by a team of volunteers.
The Friends of Blackhorse Meadows are working with Hambrook-based environmental organisation One Planet Matters to create a community orchard and ‘pollinator pathway’ to encourage insects at the South Gloucestershire Council-owned site near Blackhorse Primary School.
One Planet Matters director Kevin Thomas said: “The site has had little land management over the last few years but has a range of different habitats, all of which need managing and developing in a way that creates opportunities for both wildlife and the community to be involved.
“In a few years it will provide lots of wonderful fresh fruit for community members to come and help themselves to!”
The area has now been added to the Pollinator Pathway Project, run by an Avon Wildlife Trust and funded by WECA.
Avon Wildlife Trust nature recovery officer Ben Stainton said: “The Pollinator Pathways project set out to restore and create pollen-rich habitats to support species at risk, and empower communities to develop and maintain the pathway in their area.”
He said the aim is to create “strategic corridors” connecting areas with the best opportunities for restoring wildflower-rich habitat across the country.
Ben said: “Blackhorse Meadows is one such area. It offers an opportunity to enhance habitat on a site that will be managed for nature, while also providing a haven for local people to engage with and appreciate nature.”
As part of the project, Avon Wildlife, One Planet Matters and the Friends of Blackhorse Meadows held a session in September preparing the ground to sow thousands of wildflower seeds that will create a new more pollinator-friendly habitat.
One Planet Matters works to help communities improve the environment by creating their own orchards, nature reserves and well-being gardens.
Kevin said: “There are many opportunities to volunteer at this wonderful location and over the next few months there will be opportunities to learn about pruning, coppicing, woodland clearing and dead hedge creation.
“If you live locally, why not come along to one of our upcoming activity sessions?”
For more details visit oneplanetmatters.com or the Friends of Blackhorse Meadows Facebook page.