We were awarded funding by the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) to improve habitats for wildlife and people across Bath and North East Somerset. We are using some of this funding to create new pollinator-rich habitats at eight sites across the district.
Why we are doing this
We declared an Ecological Emergency in July 2020, recognising the severity of the degradation of the natural environment and loss of wildlife. In the UK, around 97% of species-rich grasslands have been lost since the 1930s, and one study found a 76% decrease in insect abundance since 1989.
We have been reviewing and changing the way that open spaces and urban road verges are managed since 2017. Through our Let's Get Buzzing campaign, we have changed the way that we manage 20-30% of the area that we maintain.
Longer grass and more shrubs are generally better for wildlife than short grass, but we recognise some of the concerns that people have when the grass is cut less often. We have now secured funding from WECA to create new pollinator-rich habitats designed to be good for wildlife and people.
About the project
Throughout 2023, we will be working at eight sites across Bath and North East Somerset in partnership with Blooming Whiteway, insect illustrator Marian Hill, and Avon Wildlife Trust. We are running workshops with residents to understand how these spaces are used, why they are important and how they could be better managed.
The Bee Bold Pollinator Project sites can be viewed below.
The eight sites are:
- Beaufort East, Lambridge, Bath
- The Mount Road triangle, Southdown, Bath
- The Trafalgar Road tree triangle, Weston, Bath
- Lays Drive, Keynsham
- Welton Road Green, Midsomer Norton
- Orchard Way, Peasedown St John
- Claverton Road Open Space, Saltford
- The Leaze, Westfield
We want to find ways to improve wildlife habitats in these areas through new flower-rich meadows, food forests and flowering shrubs and trees, whilst also providing attractive, well-maintained spaces where people can meet, and children can play.
More information about the community events will be advertised through signs on site and leaflets delivered to residents.
If you want to register your interest in the scheme, you can email Parks@bathnes.gov.uk.