In 2019, RWB Town Council asked our group if we would be interested in taking over a derelict 2-acre site to create a nature reserve on the northern edge of the town bordering the Swindon Road. We took out a long term lease on the site and put together a 4 year development plan. 

 

Since then, our volunteers, with support from the council's grounds team mainly in the form of the loan of specialist equipment, have successfully cleared 80% of the brambles that were completely engulfing the area, to open up spaces for wildflowers and wildlife. This has allowed existing trees to "breathe" and thrive and wildflowers to recolonise. Paths are now cut and maintained to provide access around the site and create a delightful walking route between Church Hill Close/Lindisfarne and the Jacqui Woolford Park. 

 

We have planted over 2000 new trees and hedgerows and a small community orchard of heritage apple trees and a number of other fruit trees such as quince, pears, plums & medlars. It is now a vibrant green space, attracting a large number of birds and insects and is an important and well-used green corridor for residents of Royal Wootton Bassett.

 

With the initial development plan now delivered, a small group of our volunteers continue to meet every Wednesday morning to undertake maintenance: mow paths; keep the brambles in check; monitor wildlife; and implement new projects within the Reserve

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If you would like to join the Nature Reserve Team then please subscribe to our email newsletter on this link https://mailchi.mp/8320deb39ee7/newsletter-sign-up