Environment Minister John Griffiths will launch Keep Wales Tidy’s ‘Have a Wild Weekend for Wales’ event in Newport on Friday 26 October.
The event will run for the duration of the weekend (26–28 October) and will see communities across Wales working together to create and improve wildlife spots in their local area.
The Minister will join volunteers at Henry Morgan Close in Duffryn as they remove vegetation and rubbish from the site to allow native vegetation to flourish. They will also plant wildflower seeds and open a new path with support from Duffryn Community Link and Newport City Homes.
Over 190 projects were successful in applying for free Homebase vouchers which will be used by groups, schools and other organisations to purchase the plants, tools and wood needed to carry out small environmental projects. These projects will improve local biodiversity, benefit protected animal species and transform small parts of their communities into wildlife havens.
Keep Wales Tidy has bought £23,200 worth of vouchers, with funding secured from Homebase, Welsh Government and Countryside Council for Wales.
John Griffiths, Environment Minister, says:
“I am always interested to learn about local groups working to make a difference in their communities. Improving our environment leads to many benefits for all those living and working in it.”
Lesley Jones, Chief Executive of Keep Wales Tidy, says:
“I am delighted that so many groups are taking part this weekend. They will be busy building new homes for birds, bats and bugs, planting native flowers to attract bees and butterflies as well as giving existing habitats a helping hand and I look forward to seeing the results of their hard work.”
Ceri Wootton, Colleague and Community Affairs Manager for Homebase, says:
“Homebase are proud to be part of such an important campaign to help people make a difference within their local communities whilst enjoying the great outdoors. We look forward to seeing the impact that communities can make when working towards the common goal of transforming their local environment.”
For more information on improving biodiversity in your area or any other Keep Wales Tidy project please e-mail tidy.towns@keepwalestidy.org
Organisations which have chosen to put sustainability at the heart of their work
Bringing together communities acting on renewable energy and energy efficiency
A framework for the public and third sectors in Wales to commission support and advice on sustainable living