The Whitstable Wildlife Web is an exciting project to make neglected unloved spaces into wildlife havens these will form something more extensive than a green corridor. We will be planting areas with greenery and flowers to attract wildlife. We will be involving as many people as possible and will be inclusive, ensuring that marginalised parts of the community are embraced. So many people have expressed the desire to nurture green spaces around them but don't know where to start. This project will encourage and support people to cultivate their local area. We want people to love their environment and be able to appreciate nature on their doorsteps. We want them to become more engaged with the environment and their community. We want the residents of Whitstable to have improved mental health and wellbeing. We will be running informative sessions on topics such as foraging, identification, and how to encourage wildlife as well as involving school children in surveys and activities.
What we'll deliver:
- Wildlife friendly planting in multiple areas around Whistable.
- Education about the environment and biodiversity for schools, groups and residents.
- Support for people to transform their own garden and the area around them
- A platform to bring people together neighbours, businesses, organisations, schools and diverse groups.
- A positive response to the decline of biodiversity and climate change.
- An example of how to garden without chemicals and plastic.
- Social cohesion and inclusive events.
- Improved wellbeing for residents and reduced isolation.
- Lessons in propogation which will also increase out plant stock for future green spaces.
- A localally centred project using local businesses.
Why it's a great idea:
There are so many benefits to this project.
It is beneficial to biodiversity, the community, individuals, groups, and the environment.
1.The web will increase the quantity of wildlife; bees, butterflies flutter, hedgehogs as well as plants.
2.The mental health of residents will be improved; studies have shown the benefits that engagement with nature has and people are valuing this more after the lockdowns.
3.The community will be brought together with a common aim
so reducing the isolation that people have been feeling.
4.Marginalised groups will be actively approached and included encouraging integration.
5.Engaging in horticultural activities will promote wellbeing through its therapeutic effects.
6. The town will be visually more attractive.
7. Residents will be able to improve the spaces around them enhancing their quality of life and providing a sense of satisfaction and achievement.
8.The air quality will be improved.
9. The spaces will provide opportunities for education.
Steps to get it done:
- Engage with the community, businesses, groups and organisations
- Gather more suggestions of areas to be improved.
- Create and share the 'toolkit' providing information advice and signposting
- Design planting plans
- Buy plants and equipment
- Gather volunteers and plant on planting days
- Create and position signs and labels to educate people.
- Create maintenance plan
We want to have started implementing this project before a planned walking day through the town in September to raise awareness on National Clean Air day. Involving the community is a key part of this project as much as creating green spaces. We want to involve them right from the start of each mini-project.
