Dorset Wildlife Trust are championing ‘Wild About Gardens’ week by teaming up with Transition Town Dorchester for the launch of a new ‘Incredible edibles’ scheme on Tuesday 29th October in the Dorchester Wildlife Garden.
The scheme, which is designed to encourage families to grow vegetables, fruit and herbs in gardens in an organic, wildlife friendly way, is part of an initiative to help halt the decline of garden-friendly animals such as hedgehogs.
The ‘Wild About Gardens’ week runs from 25th– 31st October and was set up by the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) and The Wildlife Trusts. The campaign to help save Britain’s wildlife is in response to the ‘State of Nature’ report published earlier this year which found that 60% of the 3,148 UK animal and plant species assessed have declined in the past 50 years.
Joy Wallis, Community Conservation Officer for DWT said: “Whether public or private, gardens offer a wealth of habitats for wildlife. This “grow your own” scheme will be great for the local community to share in, and it is very rewarding watching your own carrots, onions, salads and herbs grow. It will provide an opportunity to sample fresh produce, straight from the ground and it is free to all. By looking after our gardens and growing plants and vegetables in a wildlife –friendly way, we can create a haven for wildlife right on our doorsteps. We are looking for key volunteers to support this project. If you are interested, do come along”
There will also be an opportunity to make a bird or bug box to take home, discover minibeasts in the garden, or visit the Transition Town ducks and stop by for a cup of tea.
Transition Town Dorchester is a community group aiming to raise awareness of sustainable living. Kate Forrester from Transition Town said: “TTD aims to build self-reliance in response to increasing food miles, and so is delighted to find a place where we can share our skills, developed on the community farm, with people in the town centre, and in turn learn more about wildlife friendly gardening from DWT.”
The Incredible Edibles event is open to all, and will be behind All Saints Church, opposite the King’s Arms in High East Street, Dorchester on Tuesday 29th October, from 2-4pm.
For more information please contact Joy Wallis at [email protected] or phone 01305 264620
