Saul children help create new wildlife habitats
YOUNGSTERS in Saul, Fretherne and Framilode are enjoying finding out more about the wildlife living on their doorstep thanks to a grant from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust.
The Saul Wild Space has been awarded £4,985 to provide new wildlife habitats and improve the biodiversity of Saul playing field.
The project involves improving habitats for wildlife in the playing field by including a wild flower area, a reptile and amphibian hibernacula, bat boxes, a tawny owl box and solitary bee houses.
The funding has enabled Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust Community Wildlife Officer, Ellen Winter to work with local groups to build the bee houses and learn about bees and wildlife.
Saul under-fives playgroup spent a morning with Ellen and project leader Jane Bolton.
Playgroup leader Catherine Brint said: “Ellen’s visit provided us with a morning of fantastic learning opportunities. The children loved their time spent pond dipping and bug hunting and we were delighted to see all the children, from our two year-olds up to our pre-schoolers, getting stuck into making the solitary bee houses.”
Similar sessions are planned for Elmore Brownies/Guides, Saul Severn Belles WI and Allsorts – a charity for disabled children and their families.
The successful bid was submitted by the Saul Memorial Hall and QEII Inclusive Playing Field Committee.
Project leader Jane Bolton added: “Saul Memorial Hall committee were delighted to receive the grants to improve the habitats for the wildlife in the playing field. It is a big area, and we are really keen to share it with hedgehogs, amphibians, birds, insects and anything else!
“It is fantastic that the project has also included new play equipment for all to use, we make it top priority to ensure our play equipment is suitable for disabled and non-disabled children, and that everyone will get a warm welcome.
“The project has also provided new inclusive play opportunities, which have included a very popular outdoor table tennis table and an outdoor stage and seating area. Saul Playing field is regularly visited by disabled children and their families as it is a fun, safe and welcoming place for everyone to play.”
Other funding from the project has come from Gloucestershire Disability Fund, Fields in Trust, The John Buckley Memorial Trust and The Severn Vale Rotary Club.
To find out about applying for a grant from the Gloucestershire Environmental Trust, please visit glos-environment-trust.co.uk
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