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Wednesday 5 Jun 2013

Rail companies and residents join forces at Totterdown nature garden

Region & Route:

| Wales & Western: Western

| Wales & Western

Around 60 people attended a nature garden planting day in Bristol on Saturday, 1 June.

The day was organised by Signalling Solutions Ltd, one of the main contractors for the Bristol area signalling renewal and enhancement (BASRE) project. It was supported by Network Rail, BCM Construction and RJC Ltd Midlands Division which had all assisted in the construction and development of the nature garden.

The garden has been created in a derelict site next to the BASRE project office in Mead Rise, Totterdown, Bristol to provide a suitable habitat to help increase wildlife biodiversity within the city and to use spoil materials that would otherwise go to waste.

Jill Poyton, Network Rail’s BASRE project manager, said local residents and community groups, including Guide and Brownie units, had shown a good response to the garden.

She added: “The main aim of the nature garden is to create a suitable habitat that will allow for an increase in wildlife biodiversity within the city, particularly birds, butterflies and bees.

“The construction of the garden used spoil that was already on site following our work to upgrade the railway, thereby reducing both the cost and carbon footprint of removing the spoil to another facility. This initiative has helped promote sustainability and the environment in a positive way and allowed the community to be involved in something that they will be able to see grow as the project continues.”

Louise Abbey, ecology and environmental advisor with Signalling Solutions Ltd, said: “We invited local wildlife charities and several allotment groups to help with the planting but many had to decline as their summer calendar of activities was already rather full. Despite not being able to help with volunteers, Avon Wildlife Trust offered the use of their gardening equipment.

“It was a fun and productive day for all involved, especially as there were 920 individual plants to get in the ground. We were pleased to see everyone getting stuck in, working as a team and all the children enjoying themselves. Even the weather was fantastic!”

The volunteers planted all native species to create a diverse habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. Hedgerow species included hawthorn, blackthorn, gorse, holly and dog rose and wildflower species featured bird’s foot trefoil, ox-eye daisy, lesser knapweed and lady’s bedstraw. A cornfield seed mix was also spread over the garden. Two ‘insect hotels’ were established using old wooden pallets. These will be added to as the garden grows to further increase local insect biodiversity.

Volunteers met at the BASRE Project Office and planting took place from 9am to 2.30pm. Volunteers were asked to bring gardening gloves and small gardening tools for the planting. Those that were unable to bring their own tools were able to use equipment provided by the Avon Wildlife Trust. Refreshments were provided throughout the day for those taking part.

Photo caption: volunteers at the BASRE Nature Garden planting day in Bristol (photo courtesy of Ian James Allison, SSL).