Naturehood launch event this Saturday!

Earthwatch Europe and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust will launch a second Swindon ‘Naturehood’ in Tadpole Garden Village on Saturday 27th April.

Activities on the day will include wildlife walks, wildflower planting, seed bomb and bird feeder building, and workshops on and forest skills and wildlife-friendly DIY. The event comes just three weeks after the inauguration of the community wildlife project in Swindon’s Penhill community.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Naturehood focuses on reversing wildlife decline. This unique project centres around the creation of Naturehoods, empowering neighbours to work together to develop thriving networks of wildlife-rich spaces across gardens, balconies and window boxes.

Swindon communities will be able to support an array of local wildlife, from bees and butterflies to frogs and hedgehogs. Both Penhill and Tadpole Garden Village Naturehoods will be supported by dedicated Community Engagement Officer Jo Morris, who will run wildlife-focused events and activities in the area.

Jo Morris said: “The Tadpole Garden Village Naturehood is a really exciting opportunity to work with a brand new community, connecting new residents with each other and with local wildlife. The launch event is set to be a really fun celebration of that and a great introduction to everything Naturehood has to offer.

“From a scientific point of view, the data Tadpole residents collect will show us how nature is adapting to new housing developments and the best ways to help establish habitats for wildlife alongside people.”

As Tadpole Garden Village is a brand new housing development, the Naturehood team is also working with housebuilder Crest Nicholson and estate management firm Preim to ensure that new housing stock includes nature-friendly elements wherever possible.

Chris Tanner, Community Mobiliser and resident at Tadpole Garden Village, said: “The green spaces and natural environments throughout Tadpole Garden Village were pivotal deciding factors for many new residents when choosing to buy a home here. With approximately 2,700 new trees, 26km of hedgerow, allotments and even an ecological bat corridor, the development has a lot to offer so it’s great to be learning how we, as homeowners, can encourage and support wildlife in our growing community.

“Working with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Earthwatch Europe is giving us all the opportunity to make sure Tadpole Garden Village is not just home for us – but for wildlife too.”

Everyone is welcome at the event on Saturday 27th April at The Stray play area in Tadpole Garden Village, between 11.00am and 3.30pm. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARoLqQXuUV0