The Conservation Volunteers in Norwich recently worked with a community group, Norwich City Council and some local residents to improve a green space.
Eagle Walk Wood had been neglected for many years, but recently the council used section 106 funding to purchase shrubs and bulbs to help make the wood better for people and wildlife. TCV, LTC Green Spaces and the local community came out on a wet and wild Saturday in November to work on the wood. Volunteers reduced an area of invasive laurel, and planted lots of shrubs and bulbs.
Laurel is an invasive species because it is not native to the UK and acidifies the soil which prevents our native species from growing. The shrubs were planted near the laurel, and as they grow the laurel will be gradually removed. The bulbs were planted to add colour in spring and provide food for pollinating insects like bees and butterflies.
Both butterfly and bee populations in the UK are decreasing and many specialists believe this is due to changes in farming practices which have resulted in a decrease in wild flowers. Now there are so few wild flowers in the wild for pollinating insects to feed on, it is important we plant nectar rich species in our gardens and local green spaces.
