Can everyone please go a bit wild?

MELKSHAM Goes Wild is encouraging the community to ‘go wild’ to support local wildlife. 

The group reports, “Many of you will be aware that wildlife in the UK is not in great shape. The statistics can be overwhelming, with a government report last year declaring that that the UK is ‘one of the most nature depleted countries in the world’, with 15% of UK species threatened with extinction. Clearly wider government policy is crucial, but we can all do our bit and if enough of us do, it can really make a difference.  

“Melksham Goes Wild is a group recently set up to do all it can to promote best practice and improve biodiversity locally. The group is working with the town council to identify areas to plant with insect friendly flowers and allowing some grass verges to grow long, whilst also linking up with an existing group at Bowerhill.  

“The other key aim of the group is to adopt and promote the Blue Campaign – https://bluecampaignhub.com – whose slogan ‘Rewilding Britain garden by Garden’ really sums up our goal. The Blue Campaign use blue hearts as a symbol which you might see in the front gardens of local supporters.” 

Here are a few things you can do to get involved:  

• Do less – let an area of grass grow long, leave bits of cuttings and detritus in your flower beds, don’t tidy all those fallen leaves. Wildlife needs natural habitat and places to hide and things to eat.  

• Create a log pile – As fungus develops and the wood breaks down a log pile comes alive with creatures and often is ideal habitat for toads.  

• Plant for wildlife – try to ensure the plants you use are good for wildlife. Trees and shrubs with fruit or berries are good for birds and many plants now have bee friendly logos on their label.  

• Avoid pesticides – don’t worry about the aphids on your roses, ladybirds and hoverflies will sort them out, even the sparrows like to have them for a snack.  

• Provide water – a pond is great, but even just a shallow bowl of water can help hedgehogs, bees and birds enjoy your garden.  

• Go peat free – to help preserve peat habitats that have been severely depleted.  

• Research ‘gardening for wildlife’ online – there is loads of great advice and tips out there.

Melksham Goes Wild are always looking for more support and volunteers, so please find them on Twitter: @Melkshamgoeswild and Instagram: Melkshamgoeswild

Picture: Melksham Goes Wild’s Tom Vincent’s garden with areas of rewilding.