Volunteers invited to create wildlife haven at Sticklepath’s Oak Tree Green
Residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves and help transform Oak Tree Green in Sticklepath into a more wildlife-friendly space, with new wildflower meadows, tree planting and habitats for local species.
The practical conservation event, held on Saturday, 24 October from 10am til 3pm, is being organised by the West Devon Wildlife Warden Scheme, Sticklepath Parish Council and Parklife South West, working together as part of the parish council’s village workday. Volunteers will have the chance to gain hands-on experience of improving green spaces for wildlife, while helping to make the area more attractive and colourful for the local community.
The work will include creating new areas of wildlife meadow by mowing, raking and scarifying sections of ground to prepare them for sowing. Wildflower seeds sourced from Goren Farm will be used alongside yellow rattle seeds recently harvested from Hope Wood, a community woodland and nature recovery site at South Brent.
Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor) is a native wildflower that can help create better conditions for meadow flowers by reducing the vigour of grasses. Combined with perennial wildflowers and grasses, it can help establish a more diverse habitat for pollinators such as bees and butterflies, as well as small mammals.
The project aims to give nature more room to flourish while improving Oak Tree Green as a place for residents to enjoy. No previous experience is needed, with the event open to anyone keen to spend time outdoors, meet other people and make a practical contribution to local nature recovery.
Tools and equipment will be provided, although volunteers are welcome to bring their own spade if they have one. Participants should wear suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear, with waterproofs and wellies recommended if the weather is wet. Anyone planning to stay for the whole day should also bring plenty of drinking water and a packed lunch. Sticklepath Village Hall will be open during the event, providing hot drinks and toilet facilities.
The event is an opportunity to see how relatively simple conservation work can help improve green spaces for wildlife, while bringing residents together to care for their local environment.
To book your place, visit https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/wildlife-meadow-creation-sticklepath-tickets-2002800422979?aff=oddtdtcreator
- Location: Oak Tree Green, Oak Tree Park, Sticklepath, Okehampton, EX20 2NB.
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