Nuturing Nature in the Neighbourhood

Ipswich Oddfellows is taking part in Suffolk Wildlife Trust’s “Next-door Nature” project which is bringing communities together to help nature flourish where they live and work.

The aim of the project is to leave a lasting natural legacy in honour of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Suffolk Wildlife Trust will provide people with the advice and support they need to help nature on their doorstep.

The Oddfellows Hall in High Street has a large rear garden and is the perfect place for their members to get involved with the project and enhance it for the benefit of nature. Hedgehogs are in serious trouble and a simple step is to make a small hole in the base of the back gate to allow hedgehogs access. At Oddfellows they also plan to scarify the lawn and plant a strip of wild flowers seeds to encourage bees and other insects.

The Branch is keen for their local community (High Street) to get involved too. Having bat boxes is one idea but there isn’t a suitable tree. Maybe one of the neighbours can help? Two bird boxes made by members are set to be put up and a member has offered some logs for a log pile.

The Branch is also taking part in the “Save Our Swift” project and will be putting up swift boxes, with the hope that we can set up a neighbourhood swift project.

If there are any readers who would like to get involved in their own community then please contact Suffolk Wildlife Trust ipswich.learning@ suffolkwildlifetrust.org or phone 01473 890089

However, if you don’t have a garden; then come and help in the Oddfellow’s garden!

If you live in High Street and want to get involved in the project, then don’t hesitate to contact teresa.marrable@oddfellows.co.uk or leave a message on 01473 251867