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idverde provides a wide range of green services, including grounds maintenance, landscape creation, and advice services, to both private and public sectors across the UK.
As part of a proposed rewilding and wildflower scheme in Wiltshire, various areas chosen by towns and parish councils throughout the county were visited last week. This initiative, known as “Wild about Wiltshire,” aims to improve biodiversity and encourage bees and other pollinators to thrive by adopting a new approach to grass cutting and promoting wildflower growth.
To provide expert advice and support for this challenge, Paul Ashman, the Community Engagement Officer at idverde, arranged for Tom Bellamy, the Biodiversity Manager of the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London, to visit Wiltshire. Tom works as part of a business partnership between the RSPB and idverde, focusing on delivering key objectives from the Park’s Biodiversity Action Plan.
Tom’s visit to Wiltshire, scheduled from the 21st to the 23rd of August, involved assessing the existing biodiversity of the selected areas. He recorded the present flora and fauna and will provide suggestions on how to enhance the biodiversity of these wildflower areas. His report will outline strategies for creating and maintaining these areas over the next five years, including recommendations on native species to plant and methods for cultivating and preparing the land.
On Wednesday, Tom Bellamy visited two sites in Warminster, accompanied by Paul Ashman. They explored Fore Street and Portway Lane North and South, evaluating the current state of biodiversity and identifying opportunities for improvement.
The following day, Thursday, 22nd August, Paul and Tom were joined by Claire Thew, idverde’s Senior Marketing and Communications Executive, and Fiona Waind from Wiltshire Council. Together, they visited Fieldways in Hilperton, Falcon Way/Hurricane Way in Melksham, and Harvard Close in Melksham. Tom walked the areas, took photos and made notes, ready for his reports and proposals for the council. At Harvard Close, Cllr Nick Holder joined the meeting to meet Tom and shared his thoughts and ideas for the area.
On the third and final day of the visit Paul and Tom visited College Fields in Marlborough.
Claire Thew said “It was a fascinating day with Tom. It was clear to see how knowledgeable and passionate about nature Tom is, and we all learnt so much. I wait with interest to see how these areas change over the coming years”.
This collaborative effort marks a significant step towards enhancing Wiltshire’s natural environment, ensuring that both flora and fauna can flourish in the years to come. The “Wild about Wiltshire” scheme is set to make a lasting impact on the county’s biodiversity, benefiting both nature and the community.
