FEATURE Project volunteers undertaking a butterfly survey
PLYMOUTH’S BUSY BEAVERS Part of the pioneering Green Minds Project
P
lymouth has its fair share of celebrities with in October last year, Green Minds is a partnership prominent actors, artists and sports people all hailing project, funded by the European Regional Development from our fair city. Fund under their Urban Innovative Actions Programme. But can any of them build a dam in a river? Do any of Its main aim? To rewild places and people. It is rewilding them have orange teeth? Well, until recently, no. And urban parks, streets, gardens, and verges, creating more then along came Beryl and Brian, Plymouth’s famous spaces for nature. It is also working with businesses, new beaver duo. communities, and decision makers to put nature at the In case you missed it, Plymouth is now the proud heart of the city. Crucially, it’s encouraging more people home of two Eurasian beavers, from all walks to life, to enjoy the a male and a female called Brian and physical health benefits Green Minds will organise mental and Beryl. They have risen to that our wonderful nature spots training days so local people provide. The more wild spaces fame on local and national news, featured on the BBC’s Countryfile can learn practical ways to around the city, the better for wildlife, programme and have even and for the people of Plymouth, too. encourage nature become social media stars. Green Minds will organise training Safe to say, they’ve certainly days so local people can learn captured the hearts of local residents but why beavers practical ways to encourage nature.The project’s work and why in Plymouth? will trial new ways of involving communities and social It is all part of the Green Minds project, based in enterprises in co-stewardship and be supported by Plymouth and led by Plymouth City Council. Launched apprenticeships, education and engagement programmes.
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