My Wild Bedminster

Ben Barker, Secretary BS3 Wildlife Group

The BS3 Wildlife Group now has nearly 2,000 people on its Facebook page. We started with around a dozen local people in 2017. Since then similar groups have appeared across the city. We set ourselves three main aims.

The first is to raise local people’s awareness of the decline in wildlife both locally and planet-wide. Extinction is forever!

Facebook is good for sharing ideas and pictures and there are many keen photographers locally. We also have ‘spotters’ who record birds, butterflies and other creatures in gardens, parks etc. We are getting an idea of what’s around and where they are to be found.Gathering more information will continue although news is often not good.

A second aim is to reverse the decline in Bedminster’s wildlife by improving habitats. Domestic gardens are key. This is why we are developing our Urban Nature Reserve. A single garden is good, lots of linked gardens is better. Even a tiny garden can be made welcoming for bees and hedgehogs with a few flowers, a bowl of water and some logs to hide in. No poisons, please!

The third aim was about collaboration. As part of our Urban Nature Reserve we are encouraging streets to work together: My Wild Street. We are also working with landowners including Bristol Parks as well as church groups, schools and others. We also have links with the universities. Both contain experts in re-wilding and both are looking for projects that their students might undertake.

You can help, too. Contact mywildbedminster@virginmedia. com to find out more.

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