Coming out of winter and into the spring, the Calne Community Nature Reserve has been active for eight months now, so how are we doing?
As the map above shows, we have a wide spread of areas in the Calne Community. However, I will be concentrating on the villages this year to increase exposure and the aims of the community nature reserve concept.
We are well above 60% (over 4000 square metres) of our initial aim of creating a nature reserve the same size as an adult football pitch.
The nature reserve consists of the following types of areas: Garden, Allotment, Bug Hotels / Insect Lodges, Hedgerow, Nesting Boxes, Pond, Window box or containers. The spaces pledged start from 1 square metres all the way up to 1714 square metres, with even the smallest of the 45 pledged places providing a much needed oasis in the sea of tarmac we are surrounded with in our built up areas.
Over the past eight months, I have built up relationships with local experts, with articles on hedgehogs and butterflies, with an upcoming article on swifts and creating your own meadow coming in the near future. Along with a series on seasonal wildlife gardening advice.
Along with lots of advice and information on the Facebook page, I have also created a YouTube Channel with helpful short videos and relaxing 'Mindful Minute' nature videos.
The project is also expanding to look at other spaces, such as the northern verge along the Calne relief road and the Town Gardens in Calne. Hopefully, positive news on these projects by the end of the year.
After watching, pledge your space, no matter how small, to the nature reserve.
Thanks for reading,
Tim
