Wild spaces return to support nature across East Suffolk
A conservation scheme which will create over 100 spaces for the benefit of wildlife is returning for another year, with a new name and a brand-new look.
116 wild spaces will be left to grow during the spring and summer as part of East Suffolk Council’s ‘Nature at Work’ scheme, which is being delivered in partnership with environmental charity Groundwork East.
New signs have been installed on council-owned land across the district to help identify the wild areas where grass cutting will be limited to twice per year for the benefit of pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The signs feature a QR code directing people to further information about the scheme, including how residents and community groups can get involved. A map of all the sites is available online, and photos from the locations will be added throughout the year.
Additionally, Groundwork East will be visiting local schools to help them create their own Nature at Work sites in their school grounds, and later in the year, Groundwork East will be working with town and parish councils to build awareness of the sites. Town and parish councils will be encouraged to help monitor the sites to better understand what species are present and how the sites are changing.
Cllr Sally Noble, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for the Environment said: “Nature at Work aims to respond to the climate emergency and biodiversity crisis by supporting nature at small-scale community sites across East Suffolk. We are delighted to be bringing this scheme back with a new refreshed look and a renewed focus on supporting local schools, town and parish councils and community groups to get involved. Since the 1930s, the UK has lost over 97% of its wildflower meadows and grasslands which has had a devastating effect on the species that depend on these habitats for food and shelter.
“I would encourage people to check the online map and find their nearest Nature at Work site, and to use the resources on our dedicated webpage to find out more about the importance of leaving spaces to go wild and learn how to get involved in your own garden.”
Rachel Rice, Project Officer at Groundwork East said: “We are delighted to be working with East Suffolk Council on their Nature at Work scheme. Small areas of land like this are absolutely vital for wildlife, they create stepping stones in the landscape that mammals, birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians can use for food and to take shelter. The Groundwork movement is all about local action to improve places, and we’ll be working with schools and parish councils throughout the year to add to the network of Nature at Work sites. We can’t wait to see how the campaign and sites develop over the coming months!”
Ten East Suffolk schools will be supported by Groundwork East to create native wildflower meadows and habitats for wildlife on their school grounds. These spaces can then be used for learning activities, encouraging future generations to be conscious of and inspired by the natural world.
Nature at Work replaces the Council’s previous project known as ‘Pardon the weeds, we’re feeding the bees’, which was launched in 2020.
Find out more about Nature at Work: www.eastsuffolk.gov.uk/nature-at-work
