A wave of wildlife-friendly gardening is spreading through the towns and villages of North Dorset, where residents are seeing first hand how small actions in their gardens can create big gains for local wildlife.
With natural habitats becoming increasingly fragmented and degraded, the actions of local people – at home and in their community green spaces – can play a decisive role in driving nature’s recovery.
Dorset Wildlife Trust’s new Nature Connection North Dorset project, supported by development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, places local people at the heart of nature restoration in their community, recognising that when people feel connected to the natural world, they are far more likely to protect it. Through hands-on support, training and community-led grants, the initiative will help residents take practical action that boosts biodiversity and improves people’s wellbeing.
Appetite for action
Sherborne is already showing what’s possible. Wild Sherborne – a grassroots movement led by local resident Neil Walker – has ignited enthusiasm across the town for wildlife friendly gardening. At its public launch earlier this year, Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wilder Communities manager, Nicki Brunt, gave a presentation on wildlife friendly gardening. The lively Q&A left little doubt that Sherborne’s residents are raring to get involved and see nature flourish again. The appetite for action was unmistakable. ‘We’ve been bowled over by the interest in what Wild Sherborne stands for,’ Neil said. ‘Everywhere, people are realising they can no longer leave the problem of biodiversity decline to government and wildlife organisations alone.’
Workshops run by Dorset Wildlife Trust at Castle Gardens have helped turn that enthusiasm into practical skills. Volunteer wildlife gardener Mitch Perkins guided 40 participants through topics such as pollinators, mowing regimes and the importance of avoiding chemicals. Stories shared in the room – like the return of goldfinches to a garden left to grow longer, or memories of frogspawn thriving in a tiny childhood pond – showed how even small changes can have a big impact.
Each session ended with an invitation to become a Garden Ambassador – someone who supports neighbours, answers questions and spreads wildlife-friendly practices through the community. Five residents stepped forward immediately, with many more pledging to rethink their own gardens – whether through a different approach to planting, creating ponds or leaving seedheads for birds.
Find out more about wildlife friendly gardening on the website dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-friendly-garden
