Nature project in full flow

Nature project in full flow

By Laura Nolan | Bury Free Press

Photo: Cllr Paul Hopfensperger with Paul Hebditch, Project Manager of Greener Growth, and Sam Hardy, Director of Greener Growth along with a couple of local children. PICTURE: Mecha Morton.

New features are being added to a woodland project on Bury St Edmunds’ Howard Estate including a wildlife and nature conservation area.

The St Olaves Woodland was given funding by Councillor Paul Hopfensperger, using his locality budget.

Greener Growth, a community based group that helps people better themselves by growing food and transforming outdoor spaces, is leading the project which is designed to help combat social isolation.

A nature trail is being developed by using Cllr Hopfensperger’s locality budget.

Phase one of the development includes a nature trail through the woods, allowing people to walk through the more dense areas of the woodland easily.

Phase two of the project, which began on Monday, is designed to allow wildlife to flourish in the St Olaves Woodland area by introducing bird, bat and hedgehog boxes, an insect hotel, rustic benches and a woodchip pathway.

Cllr Hopfensperger said: “Phase three includes a classroom in the woods for children to learn about nature, the children will come from Tollgate and Howard Primary and have lessons in here.”

Greener Growth already does similar projects in surrounding primary schools, including Howard Primary.

Sam Hardy, director at Greener Growth, said: “We’re hoping this will bring the area to life.”

Also involved in the project is Ernie Broom, chairman of the Howard Estate Association of Residents and Tenants.

 

Greener Growth Presents at the International Union For The Conservation of Nature

Greener Growth Presents at the International Union For The Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

On Wednesday May 2nd, Jo Metcalfe, Founder and Director of Greener Growth gave a presentation at the IUCN's National Committee hosted by the Margaret Pyke Trust and their supporter Stephenson Harwood. The conference was titled "Nature and Human Well-Being - Scoring Common Goals."

According to the press release, the meeting was a "celebratory event to mark the 70th anniversary of the IUCN and the 21st birthday of its National Committee in the UK, gathering people interested in the work of IUCN together to learn more about how some of IUCN's UK members contribute to the delivery of the people-centered Sustainable Development Goals ; CBD Aichi targets; resolutions from the IUCN World Conservation Congress and its Hawaii commitments; the IUCN Programme and the work of IUCN Commissions;  European, regional and UK national plans and strategies."

Managing Director at Chris Mahon Environment, CEO at IUCN National Committee UK and Development Director at World Heritage UK, Chris managed to find time to organise the event while also being Greener Growth's executive director! Great job!

Accompanied by GG co-director Sam (The Van) Hardy, Jo gave an inspiring presentation which was warmly received, not only because the talk was informative but because she made the attendees laugh on more than one occasion.

This is always a bonus!