20% for wildlife April event.

Kirkheaton’s ’20% for wildlife’ group aims to do just that – encourage everyone to set aside at least 20% of their garden, back yard, field or window box, for the benefit of the wildlife which we so much enjoy and which we rely upon for our very existence.

On 1st April, everyone was invited to the community centre for an afternoon of fun, refreshments and information sharing.  The event was designed for all ages so children and adults were kept busy making simple bird feeders from plastic bottles, paper bugs and painted pebbles.  Bee and butterfly-friendly plants were free to take away and plant at home. 

A slide show showed pictures of the animals and insects we can all find in our gardens and explored ideas for ‘making Kirkheaton a better place to live’ – how, no matter how big our plot,  we can all provide one or more from bug hotels, log piles, stump gardens, ponds, wild flower patches, bird boxes or feeders to give a creature a home and provide food for the cold winter months and the demanding breeding season.  It isn’t just the wildlife that benefits from this effort.  For every ounce of energy we put into a wildlife garden, we will reap the benefits many times over in terms of our improved well-being, increased interest and knowledge, and even fun!

Kirkheaton school has a great project which is involving a group of volunteers.  The school’s pond area has been neglected for a year or two and it’s about to get a makeover.  New volunteers are asked to contact Miss Shepherd by emailing gshepherd@kirkheatonprimary.com.  The next volunteering event is at 1030am on Saturday 22nd April and will help turn the area into a nice home for nature and a great place for the children to learn about and enjoy the creatures that live on their doorstep.

If any of this spikes your interest, please join us!  You can find more information on our Facebook page, on the ’20% for wildlife’ WhatsApp group or by emailing raybrownuk@yahoo.co.uk.

Ray Brown        www.raybrownwildlifephotography.com