Gardeners are encouraged to just go wild

A West Country charity has revamped its traditional coffee morning fundraiser in a bid to help spread the word about wildlife-friendly gardening.

- Athwenna Irons

Somerset Wildlife Trust says its new Wilder Open Gardens alternative will bring people together while highlighting how important gardens and other outdoor spaces can be for nature and wildlife.

According to the charity, there are an estimated 124,500 gardens across Somerset, along with an enormous number of allotments, green spaces, and smaller outdoor areas - all of which can act as "vital spaces for nature in their own right".

"Collectively, they can have an even bigger impact, forming 'stepping stone' habitats that enable wildlife to travel from green space to green space," it adds.