Local people in Shropshire can get involved and learn about ambitious work to create a new 5 five mile ‘insect corridor’ between Telford and Bridgnorth at a series of events this summer.
Buglife is currently delivering the Severn B-Lines project with the Shropshire Wildlife Trust, The Apley Estate and Telford and Wrekin Council to create and restore 20 hectares of species-rich wildflower habitat alongside the River Severn. The inspiring project aims to help pollinating insects such as bees, wasps, butterflies, moths and other wildlife move through the landscape to feed, nest and hibernate.
A series of nature connection events will provide local people of all ages a chance to find out more about the project and how they can create their own pollinator gardens at home.
The Buglife team will be at Severn Valley Country Park on the 16th July 11am-3pm and at the Apley Farm Shop on August 10th 11am-3pm.
Visitors to the Apley Farm Shop event will be able to see work already underway to create a new pollinator garden at the popular Bridgnorth venue. The Buglife team is working with the Apley Estate to develop a new attractive space for visitors to enjoy colourful flowers and the steady hum of insects, as well as somewhere to learn about the importance of pollinator species.
Commenting on the events and project, Buglife conservation officer, Kate Jones said:
“This is an incredibly ambitious and beautiful project, which will provide habitats full of wildflowers that not only help our pollinators but offer local people and visitors spaces to enjoy and spend time in nature. Our fun events programme includes family activities, pollinator ID workshops and wildlife and gardening workshops. This project is building a more beautiful and resilient landscape, and we really want locals and visitors to be a part of it.”
Graeme Manton, estate manager at The Apley Estate added:
“In England alone we have lost over 97% of our wildflower meadows since the 1930s which has resulted in a serious decline in pollinator insects, which are vital to the agricultural economy and local ecosystems. These events are a great way to find out about this important project and how people can help in their own gardens.”
The Severn B-Lines project has been awarded a £184,000 grant through Defra’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. Buglife is currently working in partnership with The Apley Estate, Telford & Wrekin Council, Madeley Town Council and Gorge Parish Council to create and restore species-rich grassland habitat across 19 sites.
Running alongside the National Cycle Routes 45 and 55 and the River Severn, the restored species-rich meadows will provide attractive, continuous and accessible active travel-corridors where people can engage with nature to help improve their health and wellbeing.
