2 minute read
Now That's A Good Idea...
by 55 North
OUT THE BOX
Going wild
The Range is introducing ecological areas outside its UK stores.
WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?
Rewilding areas outside stores.
TELL US MORE...
Home, leisure and garden retailer The Range is working with The British Hedgehog Preservation Society and suppliers, Mr Fothergill’s and Johnston & Jeff, to create ecological areas for its stores.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
The rewilding areas around verges, grassy banks, and dense wooded areas – aim to preserve and encourage surrounding wildlife, helping it to thrive, and each space is up to 6m2.
HOW DO I SET UP MY OWN REWILDING PROJECT?
The rewilding project starts with the introduction of wildflowers and meadow grass, creating the perfect environment for hedgehogs. This also encourages the introduction of a plethora of insects, including bees, butterflies, ladybirds and caterpillars. This includes patches of dill, oregano, lavender, yellow mustard and many other plant varieties. The Range will also be introducing bird boxes.
One of the key elements of The Range’s Rewilding project is the provision of hedgehog houses in these areas. Hedgehogs can use log piles, compost heaps, shrubs, piles of leaves and other similar materials from your garden to create their own homes, but you can also buy or build a permanent structure to house your prickly garden guest.
Another important element of the project is joining up habitats where possible by creating Hedgehog Highways, small gaps in the bottom of boundary fences to allow hedgehogs to travel through the environment. Hedgehogs travel around a mile a night, so connectivity is vital.
ANYTHING ELSE?
The Range has a line to enable shoppers to create their own rewilding spaces, which includes hedgehog houses.The retailer’s stores will also have collection boxes placed at tills supporting the British Hedgehog Society Preservation.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING?
The Range’s Chief Executive, Alexander Simpkin, said: “We take our environmental responsibility very seriously. Partnering with like-minded organisations, on projects such as this, as part of our store expansion programme ensures environmental efficiency. We look forward to continue working with the organisations involved to provide these rewilding spaces in our stores and invite customers to create similar areas in their own gardens.”
Fay Vass, Chief Executive Officer of the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, said: “It’s been great to support The Range with their rewilding project. Since the year 2000, hedgehogs have declined by half in the countryside, and a third in urban areas, which means this work is vital.
“There’s lots of information and tips on supporting hedgehogs available in stores and online now. Plus, you can create your own rewilding space in your garden as the products are available to purchase instore and online.”
WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE?
There’es more on the Rewilding Project section of The Range’s website. You’ll find articles and blogs that provide you with information on how to help your local wildlife, as well as peruse all sorts of tools and accessories to get you started on your own rewilding journey.
