The Metro Mayor for the West of England, Dan Norris, visited Smallcombe Nuttery to plant some pollinator-friendly bulbs and see the work Transition Bath has been undertaking following a grant from the West of England Combined Authority’s Community Pollinator Fund earlier this year.
Dan Norris was welcomed to the Nuttery by a group of trustees and volunteers from Transition Bath and was given an overview of the history of the Community Nuttery at Smallcombe. He was particularly interested in whether climate change has affected the nut trees, noting that the cobnut trees were already bearing catkins.
He was thrilled to learn that there had been a community picnic at the Nuttery during the summer, where children were given an activity sheet to learn more about the flora and fauna in this beautiful location.
Then, with spade in hand, Dan helped plant some pollinator-friendly bulbs including Allium Globemaster, English Bluebells, Crocuses and Snowdrops. These should flower from January to June, attracting pollinating insects such as bumble bees, honey bees, butterflies and hoverflies to the area.
Transition Bath has received advice from Avon Wildlife Trust’s Community Ecologist and others on ways to enhance the Nuttery for wildlife and introduce more pollinator-friendly planting, including night-scented plants to attract moths and bats.
If you are interested in developing the biodiversity of the Nuttery, please contact us – you would be very welcome to help us with this wonderful project.
