Community Wildlife Garden
Fife Council and all public bodies have a duty to further the conservation of biodiversity when carrying out their responsibilities. An exciting opportunity was identified in Kelty allotments, at a wet area unsuitable for plots. Tying in with the aspirations of Kelty Community Council’s Greening Group to improve the visual impact of the village and encourage environmental initiatives, a project was developed to create a community wildlife garden. This is being achieved by encouraging the wildlife and habitats that are already there, such as the wildflowers including orchids, as well as the pond. New habitat is also being created, such as small copses of fruiting and flowering native shrubs, as well as willow that will provide stepping stones for wildlife to pass through the site. The small pond was extended to create a mosaic of wetland habitat for wildlife, and a path was developed to enable members of the community and local school groups to enjoy the wildlife garden. Car parking was also improved for plot holders. Allotment holders were invited to the tree planting events along with children from Kelty and St Joseph’s primary schools and KCC Greening Group volunteers.
Most recently, the KCC Greening Group created a native hedgerow along the eastern boundary of the allotment site as a wildlife corridor for small mammals such as hedgehogs and bats as well as birds and pollinating insects. The hedge plants were donated by the Fife & Kinross Bat Group. The next steps will be sowing a native wildflower mix on the bare ground, creating bug hotels with school children and the guides, hibernacula for frogs and toads, and informal seating. Big thanks to all who have helped with this exciting project so far.
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