Image credit: Bath City Farm Bath City Farm, a thriving community space on the outskirts of Bath, has embarked on an ambitious pollinator project aimed at transforming 16 acres of its 37-acre site to foster biodiversity and create a haven for pollinators.
Supported by the Community Pollinator Fund, their project is designed to improve the farm’s natural habitat and support the ecological balance of local wildlife, including pollinators like bees, butterflies, and other insects.
The project focused on developing wildflower meadows, species-rich grassland, and woodland ground flora. This included establishing six acres of wildflower meadows which will provide crucial resources such as nectar and pollen for pollinators.
A 60-meter bee and butterfly bank has been built in the farm’s wildflower meadow to support late-season pollinators. The bank is planted with native wildflowers to ensure a continuous source of nectar and pollen.
The team have planted native species such as hawthorn, cherry, hazel, and wild pear, which offer both food and shelter for wildlife. A new hedgerow has provided critical corridors for pollinators and other animals to move across the landscape.
Volunteers played a key role in the project, helping to plant native species, build bug hotels, and maintain the new habitats. Bath City Farm has partnered with local groups like Avon Wildlife Trust and Bathscape to ensure the project benefits from ecological expertise and community knowledge. Volunteers from various farm programs, including Roots to Work, are actively involved in sowing wildflower seeds, collecting and processing seed, and creating habitats for insects. Over the course of the project, over 1,500 volunteer hours have already been invested, with 251 volunteers getting involved.
Bath City Farm wants to engage the local community and visitors through their new nature trail. This trail, supported by printed guides and interpretation boards, offers a deeper understanding of the importance of pollinators and the farm’s ongoing environmental work.
Native plants have been chosen to ensure they support the local ecosystem, and recycled materials have been used to build new bug hotels.
The project has given trainees opportunities for hands-on learning in horticulture, ecology, and environmental stewardship. Participants gain valuable skills in plant identification, habitat management, and sustainable gardening practices, all while contributing to the health of the farm’s ecosystem.
Over 7.6 acres of wood pasture have been created from existing grassland, providing additional habitats for wildlife. Significant improvements have also been made in the community gardens, with the planting of bulbs, plugs, and seeds across half an acre.
