Did you know…
- 1 in 14 species in Wales is at risk of disappearing altogether
- It would cost UK farmers £1.8 billion a year to pollinate crops without bees
- 40% of the world’s insect species is expected to become extinct by the end of the century – causing a catastrophic collapse of nature’s ecosystem
The Green Changes you can make
- Green Change 15 – Manage a community green space to benefit wildlife & encourage biodiversity
- Green Change 16 – Reduce the amount of pesticides & fertilisers used in green spaces
- Green Change 17 – Recycle rain water
- Green Change 18 – Organise community clean up and litter picking days
Who’s already making the change?
- There are lots of good community green spaces projects happening across Conwy and Denbighshire – such as tree planting taking place in Denbighshire which will plant over 18,000 trees in the next 5 years!
- Farmers & landowners in Conwy have been working with Conwy Cynhaliol to responsibly dispose of unwanted chemicals
- The Green Flag Community Awards recognises volunteers managing parks and green spaces in Wales
Ideas to help you get started
- plant bee friendly plants & sign up to be a Bee Friendly Community
- cut the grass less frequently to provide pollen and nectar for insects – sign up to No Mow Zone and see what comes up in your grassland
- provide spaces for bird and bat boxes, as well as mini ponds to encourage insects
- plant trees
- When safe to do so, volunteer with local wildlife groups
- When safe to do so, invite speakers to inform community members on environmental matters
Advice and Guidance
Here are some useful guides to improve & manage green spaces for the benefit of the community & nature…
- North Wales Wildlife Trust – provides lots of ‘How to’ guides like making spaces more wildlife friendly
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) – have Information on pesticides and wildlife
- Llais y Goedwig – provides information and support in setting up community woodlands
- Social Farms and Gardens – supports communities to improve green spaces in their local area
Funding & Support
Here are some possible funding sources and details where you can access further specialist support – but remember there are more sources out there too…
- Groundforce – Supports communities to access potential funding for developing community green spaces
- Community & Voluntary Support Conwy and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council provide advice and support on funding opportunities
- Lottery Community Fund – Provides information on community grants available in Wales
- Funding Cymru – Funding portal helping charities, community groups & social organisations find funding opportunities in their local area
