The idea
The project had been agreed by our local authority and grounds maintenance team so that we can manage 'Bee Kind' areas. The council have left urban areas in local parks and outdoor spaces to grow wild so that it can be left for wildlife. Over the years we have seen that not many beneficial wildflowers grow for our pollinators in these areas.
The Rewilding Folkestone 'Bee Kind' Community Project has started and has been supported by locally sourced fundraising and we was able to raise £55 to purchase 2kg of native wildflower seeds. We are maintaining these areas and preparing the soil for the sowing of wildflower seeds.
By restoring natural wildflower meadows and creating new ones with native plants, we are protecting what 3% we have of meadows left. Also, by creating new meadows in urban spaces or saving the smallest roadside verge from being mowed, we are building more habitats for insects and wildlife, which are risk of extinction.
What we'll deliver
- Purchase native wildflower seeds/ soil /
- Purchase tools needed for project
- Support workshops at The Community Network / Room hire
- Buy nature activities and educational learning about nature for workshops
Why it's a great idea
This project is important to the environment, because we are protecting our endangered species such as the honey bees and other pollinators, that are at risk of extinction. Pollinators are in decline and by producing natural habitats for these species can protect them.
Not only do the projects have a positive impact for those that would visit the urban areas that have grown wildflowers, by seeing the beauty of what nature brings when grown wild, but the volunteers of gardeners and green fingered individuals that have helped achieve the transformation in the areas will have an enormous impact on their mental health and well-being. Being a part of a team of people that have worked together on a project gives people a sense of community spirit.
We aim to have workshops at our center to help educate individuals, families and children about the importance of wildlife and why we need to protect it. And with fun, creative learning tools we hope to share the passion and need for wild spaces.
Steps to get it done
- Good communication with local council grounds maintenance team so that both aware of project area
- Keep social media project page up to date so that volunteers can help with the project dates in near future
- Purchase native wildflower seeds
- Prepare the soil by raking over the grass so that seeds can fall into the soil
- Make signs so that the community is aware of seedling germinating
- Check area regularly and remove any signs of overgrowth other species such as 'flee darts'
- Keep social media updates throughout the progress and take photos to share
- Share to social media the different types of wildflowers that grow and the benefits
- Also the pollinators that have been attracted by the meadow
- Arrange workshops at the community network hub
- Volunteering opportunities
- Education and learning about wildflowers and the importance of pollinators
Having teamed up with the local council and the ground maintenance team, we discussed the plaques/signs made from wood that could be made in our workshops for children to create. And with the inspiration and beauty that children's work produces, the council are happy to create long life metal signs that display 'Bee Friendly Area, Save The Bees, No Mow Zone' etc.
I am a part of the national charity United Response and I run The Community Network as the coordinator. We are able to support this project as a part of our charities Green Scheme.
