New ‘wildlife garden’ for Welshpool

In the week that we announced Welshpool’s plan to respond to the climate crisis, the town council has revealed that a nw wildlife garden will be created in the town.

Following the award of a new garden package by environmental charity Keep Wales Tidy, Welshpool Town Council is one of the first organisations in the country to benefit from this year’s Local Places for Nature scheme. 

It will enable the council to create a wildlife garden at Burgess Road recreation area with all the plants, tools and materials provided for free by Keep Wales Tidy. 

Cllr Alison Davies, Mayor, said:  “The land that backs onto homes in Brookfield Road and Burgess Croft has caused us concern for some time and we jumped at the opportunity to create a wildlife garden to be enjoyed by everyone.

“The grant from 'Local Places for Nature' covers all of the equipment, tools and materials; it is a step towards making Welshpool better for wildlife and people. This will be a place to enjoy wildlife close to home and get involved from the very beginning.

“We will be starting by building and installing the tool shed and some raised beds on September 2 and 3.

“We are particularly grateful to Keep Wales Tidy for the grant and also for the practical help and guidance that Shane, our KWT project officer, will be giving us over the coming months.

“Please come and join in; we want this to be you the community's garden, not the Town Council’s!”

Last year, more than 500 small gardens across Wales were created, restored and enhanced. Community groups and organisations of all shapes and sizes got involved — from disability charities and youth groups to social enterprises and carer groups.

Deputy Chief Executive for Keep Wales Tidy, Louise Tambini said: “We’re delighted that Welshpool Town Council now has the opportunity to make a real difference through Local Places for Nature. We hope other communities will be inspired to get involved.”

The initiative is part of a wider Welsh Government ‘Local Places for Nature’ fund committed to creating, restoring and enhancing nature ‘on your doorstep’.

PICTURE: Initial ground work has already started on the town's new wildlife spot