Pocket parks have us digging for Britain again
THOUSANDS of people are performing “tiny acts of gardening” across the country in a bid to help wildlife and nature thrive.
Volunteers have created “pocket parks” – green areas in towns and cities – to boost the flora and fauna and improve the quality of life for communities.
The idea was common across Europe after the Second World War when people planted flowers and trees on bomb-damaged land.
Nikki Williams, director of campaigning and communities at The Wildlife Trusts, said: “It’s amazing to see the great things people achieve when they come together to take action for nature.
“It’s a critical part of helping our natural world recover, halting wildlife loss and tackling climate change.”
The Daily Express Green Britain Needs You campaign calls on people to help make space for nature.
Fruit
The Nextdoor Nature initiative focuses on listening to communities – how they want to make changes in their area and then supporting them to make that change.
Nikki said: “It’s about real-world change for nature all around the UK and we look forward to seeing more people get involved.”
Connie Davis, a resident of Haslington, on the edge of Crewe in Cheshire, felt her area needed more greenery. She said: “Walking our dogs one day, my husband and I chatted about how nice it would be to see eight fruit trees planted along a hedgerow so children and adults could pick a piece of fruit as they walked or played in the area.”
It took a year for Connie, 72, to get permission from the council and she then invited volunteers to join in through social media. She added: “They helped clean up rubbish, cut back dead wood and overgrown brambles, cleaned out the brook and kept a sense of humour despite the miserable weather, mud and the occasional splinter.”
As well as fruit trees, Dingle Orchard is also a thriving wildflower meadow since it was created in 2021.
There are pocket parks across the nation, including in Poole, Dorset, and Exeter, south Devon. However, research found one in three people cannot reach a natural space to relax in, even after a 15-minute walk.
Tips for creating a pocket park include, firstly, finding out who owns the land and what the native species are.Then check if wildflower seed bombing is suitable for the soil and habitat and see if any local projects are making planters and containers.