Wild Roots - identifying, caring for and celebrating our environment
Within South Gloucestershire lie many hidden treasures that have helped shape the landscape as we know it today. Natural, industrial and cultural forces have played a part in making up the local environment that we live and work in.
Wild Roots was an innovative project that is focused on six sites that are of nature conservation interest and heritage importance. The project worked with volunteers to help record their heritage and improve the condition of the sites and developed exciting projects that engaged a wide sector of our diverse community.
The focus of Wild Roots was on six important heritage sites at Bradley Stoke, Emersons Green, Hanham, Warmley, Wick and Willsbridge and the network of historic transport routes and commons that link them.
A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund meant a dedicated Wild Roots officer was employed to work with local communities until April 2009. The officer - John Morris, was working with local residents to research, record and interpret their heritage and help manage and conserve the sites.
The project was launched at Conham River Park 7 April 2006 and celebrated at an event at Willsbridge Mill 31 March 2008. The project delivered a wide range of projects and public events in partnership with local community groups and organisations.
In summary:
- 226 activities held to maintain and enhance habitats and features
- 13086 volunteer hours undertaken on these projects
- £81,787.50 - value of volunteer time
- 129 public events held to raise awareness and celebrate our heritage
- 8879 people attended these events
- Events included the Festival of Light, Owl Prowls, Fungi walks, Bat walks, Raptor rides, Tree Dressing days, Orchard planting, Walking with Cameras plus lots lots more.
- Five friends groups were set up or supported to manage sites
- South Gloucestershire's first ecoteering course set up to raise awareness of habitats within the local nature reserve at Bradley Stoke
- Improved access for all with new facilities on sites and leaflets
Awards included:
Green Flag Award at Wick Golden Valley Local Nature Reserve
- Special Innovation Award (Bat Audio Trail)
- Planting Places Award (Sustainable management of the Three Brooks LNR)