The Feed Bristol site at Frenchay Park demonstrates the value of nature through ecological land management and wildlife gardening to enhance biodiversity, with flourishing wildflower displays and a wildlife garden inspiring visitors to make positive changes for nature in their own lives.
The Burges Salmon volunteer workforce worked through rain and shine over 10 days to clear and replace old garden beds, build a new welcome garden and create a new indoor canvas classroom area for visiting school groups. The volunteers also participated in daily activities aimed to develop an awareness of wellbeing through mindfulness, physical activity, time for reflection and a greater connection to nature.
Julie Doherty, Avon Wildlife Trust People and Wildlife Programme Manager, says: “The Burges Salmon team has worked incredibly hard and brought amazing energy to our Feed Bristol site. In the fortnight they’ve been with us they’ve created a new demonstration garden that will show visitors to Feed Bristol just what can be achieved in back gardens, allotments and neighbourhood spaces – and inspire them to create their own wildlife habitats. The work the team has done in clearing the ground and starting the building of a new, welcoming entrance space will transform the way people arrive here and feel part of this special place. Our Feed Bristol site is a wildlife haven in the heart of the city with a huge array of wildlife flourishing here – including newts, hedgehogs and slowworms as well as the hundreds of wildflowers which we grow. Together with individuals, businesses and organisations across Bristol we’re building a nature-rich city to support wildlife into the future and create wild spaces for people to enjoy.
“As well as making a valuable contribution to supporting urban wildlife, the team has experienced the wellbeing benefits of being out in nature, working together on practical tasks, and seeing the wonderful diversity of wildlife flourishing in the heart of the city. We’re delighted to work with Burges Salmon again and hope other businesses are inspired to partner with us on projects like this in the months ahead.”
Burges Salmon Chief Operating Officer Emma Dowden led the team of volunteers for this project. She says: “Volunteering forms an important part of our wider corporate and social responsibility programme. Everyone at the firm is encouraged to get involved with a local volunteering project of their choice, and our people are offered paid annual leave for days spent volunteering. In addition to this, we also undertake regular team building volunteering exercises as part of our wider learning and development programme.
“We hope that this volunteering project for Avon Wildlife Trust will further strengthen our relationship with it as one of our community relationship partners, and also hope that our team input at the Feed Bristol site encourages attendance and engagement with this wonderful community initiative.”
The teams from Burges Salmon and Avon Wildlife Trust came together with their families for a barbeque at the Feed Bristol site on Saturday 22 September, where they had the opportunity to reflect and celebrate the success of the two-week project.
Full details of the project can be found on the Avon Wildlife Trust website and people can follow the progress on Twitter using #FeedBristol. Members of the public are welcome to visit the site from Monday to Friday (9.00 am – 5.00 pm) and on the first Saturday of each month for special open days.