A rewilding project is successfully in bloom following the launch earlier this year.
After approaching LiveWest for support with it, the Wild About Kingsbridge group kickstarted the project and wildflowers were planted at Squares Quay, in Kingsbridge on a steep bank to improve biodiversity in the area. Community volunteers helped with the initial planting of the project along with Till the Coast is Clear CIC.
It’s the 50th anniversary of National Tree Week run by the Tree Council and it's the UK's largest annual celebration of trees. We are celebrating over 40,000 trees we manage and care for across the South West. Trees bring huge benefits to the environment including for wildlife and habitats too.
This project has expanded from the initial part of the steep bank, to incorporate the Kiln House end and trees have also been planted on the adjacent green.
Bees are now foraging amongst the blooming flowers. Wild About Kingsbridge are seeking to manage more of the bank and have planted trees. There are now LiveWest volunteers and a local volunteer leading the project.
Passers-by are asking what the plants are, so our Community Connector Charlotte Holdsworth who has been supporting the project, is looking into getting a noticeboard installed where members of the wildlife group can put updates on what is currently in flower and other educational information.
Our Community Connector, Charlotte Holdsworth, said: “This ongoing project has brought species of flora and planting to an area without any insects and human- loving plants. By doing this it has already increased biodiversity.
“Not only is it inspirational, but there is also a sense of pride when I speak to the community, and this rubs off on others living at Squares Quay. We shall wait to see what additional creatures and wildlife are attracted to the area.
"Many residents have found the area to be exciting and it's really calming for them and members of the public, it demonstrates a positive impact and it's great for well-being.
“It has brought the community of Squares Quay together adding to community cohesion and community pride.”
It was given £1,200 thanks to funding from Jewson Partnership Solutions, LiveWest and Kingsbridge Town Council.
Alisia Jennings, our resident, said: “As you saw there is lots of beautiful wildflowers and fruit growing on the trees. The wild bank has given the residents something to talk about over the past few months and I believe this has been good for the community.
“For myself personally, I love to pop out each morning and see what has popped up overnight. It's all good for the mental health vibes. I'm so pleased that LiveWest has been able to allow this project to come alive.”
Dan Stathers, Wild about Kingsbridge volunteer, said: “Things are starting to flower and it's really taking shape, lots of subtle hues in amongst the various grasses. It's great to see what has also popped up naturally.
"At the Kiln House end there is lots of knapweed, a lovely purple flower that's great for bees. It's really heartening to see more bees foraging the bank, I also spotted a dragonfly the other day too.
"The grass is certainly still dominant in places, but this will change year on year as more things grow and emerge. Lots of lovely things still happening, particularly all the knapweed that's flowering on the Kiln House End.
"The plan is to focus on the lower end of the bank and add more colour along the top for the residents to enjoy. We've had several hedgehog sightings, so we know they're using the bank and area in general.”
This ongoing project has already increased biodiversity to the area. The bank has been added to the BugLife B-Lines map while several species have also been listed on the iRecord National Biodiversity Network.