Grant of £1,220 awarded in 2021
Seed Dispersal
This project has increased biodiversity within the village of Standlake by creating a wildflower network, installing nest boxes and habitat for birds, bats and bees and providing opportunities for residents to engage with nature in their local area through events and volunteering.
The project was delivered by 15 volunteers from the Lower Windrush Valley Project. Over a year, they prepared the wildflower bank, scarifying it before broadcasting seed by hand; grew on plug plants over winter before planting them in the spring; and received wildflower ID training to enable them to survey the area in June. In addition, bird, bat and insect boxes were erected. The bird boxes were monitored and nestlings ringed in May. In August, the wildflower area was cut and the arisings removed.
All projects have highs and lows and this was no exception. The grant holder reported that scarifying the wildflower bank had been much harder work than anticipated, so took longer than expected, requiring additional volunteer work parties. However, the team has been very pleased with the success of the bird nest boxes installed at the church, recreation ground and school. Three different species nested in the seven boxes in the first year, 16 young ringed and 10 young fledged.