Charity's open gardens to get wilder for nature

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 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.

Adam Murray, director of Action for Nature at Somerset Wildlife Trust, said from planting pollinator-friendly flowers to creating a mini-pond or bug hotel, there are “simple changes” people can make to their outdoor spaces to help visiting insects, birds, amphibians, and even mammals like bats and hedgehogs.