A ‘superhighway’ for bees and other wildlife along the Frome Valley funded by a £25,000 grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority is taking shape.
Mayor Dan Norris was buzzing to hear from the “Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway” team about how they are linking up and improving areas of green space to help bees.
Bees, insects and other pollinators have been hit hard by a massive 97% reduction of flower-rich grasslands in England since the 1930s.
Now a 30-strong local volunteer team are creating bee friendly ‘stepping-stones’ between existing habitats. This includes supporting Frampton Cotterell Church of England School, Elm Park Primary, and Hambrook Primary to create their own nature havens on their grounds.
Plus the team are planting seven hectres-plus worth of new wildflower-rich meadows - from Whiteshill Common right up to the Swan Lane community garden in Winterbourne. This will join up with the Mayoral funded Tuckett Field wildflower project in Frenchay as well as to Eastville and Oldbury Court - forming the Frome Valley ‘Bee Superhighway’.
Speaking at the "Pollinator Hub", developed as part of the Frome Valley Growing Project, where Mayor Norris joined green-fingered volunteers, the regional Mayor said:
“Imagine trying to travel around South Gloucestershire without any roads or railways. It would be almost impossible. But getting around is the challenge faced by our pollinator pals.
"It is exciting to see this vital project come together to help the Frome Valley's bees who make sure our crops are pollinated and we have delicious West of England produce to eat and drink year-round.
"I’m proud it has been funded by a £25,000 grant from the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, as part of our plan to make our region the bee and pollinator capital of the country.”
Laura Fogg Rogers, who heads up the Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway project and team, added: "The Community Pollinator funding has really kick-started our aim to connect people and land along the Frome River Valley.
"We've brought together people across the generations to get Winterbourne buzzing, united with the aim of helping nature to flourish and link up throughout our amazing local areas. We've also just launched a Community Nature Reserve so even gardens can be added to our Pollinator Pathway. I think it's plain to see that when nature thrives, our communities thrive as well."
The Frome Valley Pollinator Pathway project brings together Frome Valley Growing Project, Crossley Farm, Winterbourne Parish Council, Winterbourne Library, Winterbourne Academy, Frampton School, Elm Park Primary, Hambrook Primary, and others.
