Thanks to Claire for this update from Natural Wight. In her own words. Ed
The Riverside Centre had a Natural Wight makeover recently as over 30 Green Gym volunteers helped transform the Centre’s garden area recently for Natural Wight’s Revitalising the Riverside Day.
Along with Mark Russell and Ray Harrington-Vail of the Footprint Trust, the team rebuilt and restored the patio garden which has full disabled access.
Moved over two tonnes of soil
Ray Harrington-Vail reported, “Despite rain on the day, we moved over two tonnes of soil and used 3 cubic metres of plastic bottles (that’s a whole skip-full of litter recycled) to help create the new flower beds which were then planted with wildlife-friendly plants such as lavender and fuchsias.
“Many of the plants were very kindly donated. The garden has been a bit over-looked of late, but it’s now a really lovely and peaceful spot for the Riverside Centre visitors, as well as wildlife, to enjoy.”
Lots of Islanders involved
Rachel Jagger-Thomas, Project Manager at Natural Wight said, “Natural Wight is a two year community conservation project, part of Natural England’s Access to Nature which is funded by The Big Lottery Changing Spaces programme. The project aims encourages people to enjoy Island nature, as well as learn how to look after it.
“So far this year, people from all over the Island have been sowing wildflowers and climbing trees, pond-dipping, litter-picking, conserving and preserving, meeting bats, squirrels and each other and generally enjoying all that nature has to offer. Green Gym days are a great way to enjoy the outdoors and we’re looking forward to revitalising other corners of the island throughout the year.”
Look out for more Natural Wight Green Gym days and events in the What’s On section of our Website or visit Footprint Trust Website; or you can contact the Natural Wight team on 01983 524275 or [email protected].
