Sulwath Connections

Community Biodiversity Action

Newsletters:

• Latest Community Action for Biodiversity Newsletter
• Old Newsletters available on the downloads page
• Wlildlife Festival 2010

Partners:

• Dumfries and Galloway Council
• Lockerbie Wildlife Trust

The principal aim of this project is to reconnect people with their natural heritage. Modern living, including recent trends in transport, employment, and leisure activities, has tended to reduce everyday contact with the natural heritage. Where such contact remains, it often involves a special trip to a nature reserve, a country park or a favourite place in the countryside. Such trips tend to undertaken by car, and therefore exclude many groups in society. This project provides facilities for people to understand and appreciate the natural heritage on a daily basis, without the need for travel.

Secondary aims for the project are:

• To improve the biodiversity of towns and villages.

• To improve the aesthetic appeal of towns and villages.

• To contribute to local economies.

• To contribute to the health and well-being of local communities.

 

  

The project supports the Local Biodiversity Action Plan contributing to,

Aim 4 : Biodiversity awareness, understanding and engagement improved

and specifically targeting communities to working with local communities to increase management and interpretation of biodiversity in public open spaces ( Priority Action POS1)

 

The project  works with communities within the Sulwath Connections area to transform green spaces in and around towns and villages into areas rich in biodiversity, making them more accessible, safer, healthier and more enjoyable places to visit. The work is co-ordinated through a Community Biodiversity Officer.

  

Community Groups who want to lead a project need to work with the Community Biodiversity officer to develop:

• An action plan developed in consultation with the local community and designed to maximise biodiversity and improve access

• small scale works on the ground e.g. tree planting, information boards, ponds, footpaths, seating

• Involvement of people of all ages in wildlife learning events and work on the ground

• links and benefits for local businesses, schools and groups

• A maintenance plan

• A ten year agreement with the land owner