Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) has awarded a homeless shelter, Michael House in Boscombe, Bournemouth, a wildlife friendly gardening plaque in recognition of the wildlife friendly features the residents have added in the gardens of the hostel.
The residents have installed a pond which is now thriving with tadpoles, built planters from unwanted pallets, and created bird and bat boxes, which are now occupied. Visitors have donated cuttings and shrubs, and Waitrose in Christchurch donated unsaleable plants which the residents have nurtured back to life.
CEO of Michael House, Mark Horsford, said, “It has been wonderful to see the residents come together on this project. Their hard work and enthusiasm has created a relaxing environment with a community feel, and more importantly, a real home for wildlife. Being awarded the Dorset Wildlife Trust wildlife friendly gardening plaque is a fantastic recognition of the hard work they’ve put in. We’ve even taken our support sessions out into the garden to help our residents feel less confined and more able to interact and relax.”
One Michael House resident said, “The changes to the garden have been an inspiration to me. Seeing the garden change has made me believe that my life can change. Things can only get better if you put the hard work in first. I love sitting in the garden now.”
Great Heath Community Conservation Officer, Katie Wilkinson, said, “We were delighted to award Michael House a wildlife gardening plaque after seeing the changes they’ve made to their garden for the benefit wildlife. It’s a real pleasure to witness the positive effects spending time outside can have on all of us and how nature can improve the quality of our lives.”
To find out how you can apply for a wildlife friendly gardening plaque in your garden, big or small, visit www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-friendly-gardens-scheme or phone the Great Heath team on 01202 692033.
Michael House plan to create an allotment in their second garden and create a recycled garden feature this year’s Recycling Week. For more information about Michael House visit www.michaelhouse.co.uk or @michaelsltd on Twitter.
