‘Pardon the Weeds’ returns to create a buzz for third year

An annual scheme to promote biodiversity and cultivate East Suffolk’s wildlife population is set to return for a third year.

Launched in 2020 as part of East Suffolk Council’s commitment to the protecting the environment, the ‘Pardon the Weeds, We’re Feeding the Bees’ campaign allows green spaces to grow and thrive with wildlife. The reduced mowing programme aims to improve habitat for a variety of flora, fauna, animals and insects, including our crucial bee population, by letting grass and flowers grow wild.

This year, the scheme has expanded in scale to encompass 135 sites, which will be left to grow until late August/September. Each site is marked with a bright yellow sign, asking passers-by to ‘Pardon the Weeds, We’re Feeding the Bees’, making residents and visitors aware of the scheme. Areas are selected based on being large enough to provide an environmental benefit without presenting any safety issues for local communities.

Town and parish councils, supported by grounds and maintenance partners from East Suffolk Norse, will monitor the areas to remove litter and control any invasive plant species.

Cllr James Mallinder, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment, said, “Pollinating insects have been in decline for decades due to habitat loss. It makes complete sense for us to create wildlife-friendly areas, rich in nectar, by mowing selected areas less frequently and allowing these potentially abundant grasslands to grow, where possible.

“And that’s not all. Another obvious benefit is the chance to increase the amount of carbon captured by our green spaces.

“This isn’t about cutting costs or just leaving areas unkempt. This is a carefully managed programme, motivated by our commitment to protect and enhance the environment.

“East Suffolk Council has implemented an ambitious environmental vision since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, we have and will continue to increase the number of wild spaces in the district, where a more conservation-based approach to cutting could promote biodiversity.

“Personally, I love to see this less manicured, more varied landscape across East Suffolk, and I’d love to see people sharing photos of their local wildlife spaces on social media, tagging in East Suffolk Council and using #PardonTheWeeds.”

A full list of biodiversity sites can be found online via a dedicated Pardon the Weeds page at https://www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/assets/Leisure/Parks-andopen-spaces/Grass-cutting/Pardon-the-Weeds-campaign-information.pdf.

Town and parish councils are encouraged to contact East Suffolk Council to highlight any additional areas. Residents are asked to contact their town or parish council directly if they have any suggestions for new wild spaces.

Portal Woodlands Conservation Group

In February the Portal Woodlands Conservation Group Volunteers cut back the A1214 hedge before the bird nesting season.

Cutting back the hedge helps to thicken it at the lower levels, creating a better natural barrier and an improved habitat. It was lovely to see carpets of snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis – meaning ‘milk flower of the snow’), with a few crocuses (Crocus) dotted in and around.

The next Volunteer work morning is Saturday 16th April from 10am to Noon, meeting at the Education Area. New volunteers of all ages and abilities are always welcome. No experience needed. For further information, please contact us at pwcg. martlesham@gmail.com, phone: 01473 612632 or visit the website: pwcg.onesuffolk.net or join the members’ Facebook Group by messaging Duncan Sweeting. – Stephen Corley, Chairman

Voluntary and community groups also still have time to join the East Suffolk Blooms campaign by applying for narcissus bulbs, available in bundles of 500, to plant locally in time for next spring.

East Suffolk Blooms officially launched at the beginning of February – with groups required to complete an online application form by 31st May, ahead of a decision panel meeting to determine applications in June.

• Visit East Suffolk Council’s website to find out more at www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/news/east-suffolk-blooms-bulb-plantingcampaign/

Research of 2,000 adults found 32 per cent put money into something other than a regular saving account or cash ISA during 2022, with two thirds of these doing so for the very first time.

Three in 10 (31 per cent) said the cost-of-living crisis has motivated them to make their money work harder, with 36 per cent seeking better returns than savings accounts. While 41 per cent want to grow their money and wealth over time, although 32 per cent are looking to achieve their longer-term goals as quickly as possible.

In fact, those aged between 25 and 34 were the most likely to invest last year – as 41 per cent of this generation sought to grow their money this way. And overall, the trend looks to continue in 2023, with 35 per cent of all those polled saying they feel more confident about investing this year than before. However, 19 per cent still do not see investing as a viable option for them – as 34 per cent can’t afford to spare the cash right now. Whereas three in 10 are anxious about losing their money, and 22 per cent are hesitant because they don’t feel confident enough.

Brian Byrnes, head of personal finance at Moneybox, which commissioned the research, said, “We know that investing, for many, can still be daunting.

“But it is an increasingly essential part of any financial plan to help mitigate the impact of inflation over time and build wealth for the future to help achieve longer-term financial goals.

“Market volatility is not unexpected or even a bad thing for investors – in fact, investing in a downturn can give you more bang for your buck.”

The research also explored the impact the cost of living has had on the nation’s approach to money management, with 34 per cent claiming it has prompted them to take better control of their finances. While 41 per cent are now prioritising becoming more financially resilient thanks to the economic downturn. And 26 per cent are now planning for the future more than they did before the crisis.

It also emerged 29 per cent feel they are better at managing their money now because of the lessons they’ve learnt from the rising cost of living. More than a quarter (27 per cent) of those, polled via OnePoll, have made a budget for the first time, and one in four have negotiated better contracts with a current provider to save some money.

Brian Byrnes, from Moneybox, added, “The benefits of building positive financial behaviours early in life cannot be overstated.

“And it’s positive to see the financial challenges endured in the last year have prompted so many to take more control of their finances and start planning for their future.”