It’s Your Neighbourhood is a free scheme run by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to recognise and value the work of local community groups in improving green spaces, be it a park, community garden, alleyway, verge or stream. Almost any outdoor site being looked after by the local community qualifies for the scheme. Each group or project taking part is visited annually by a RHS assessor who offers advice on progress in three areas: community participation, environmental responsibility and gardening/planting achievement. The assessor allocates a ‘level’ to each group/project with a written report on what has impressed and what might be done to improve. The levels are: 1.Establishing; 2.Improving; 3.Developing; 4.Thriving, and; 5.Outstanding. The closing date for 2022 is 8 April. Apart from filling in the application form (it only takes a few minutes), there are no other administration requirements. Sign up here http://southwestinbloom.org.uk/Its-Your-Neighbourhood.aspx
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a sum paid to Bristol City Council by developers to off-set additional pressures caused by their developments, eg extra pressure on roads, schools and green spaces. This is £millions a year across Bristol. 15% of CIL is set aside for ‘local’ projects awarded by six committees of local councillors. Details can be found on line, but the best way is to contact your local councillors if you have a possible project in your neighbourhood. They will be able to tell you if your idea is eligible and practical things like closing dates. Invite them to your park or other green space and explain what you have in mind. The committee will be considering lots of application forms, but your chances probably increase if at least one person at the meeting has a good, first-hand understanding of what you want the money for.
Bat Talk You are invited to join Dr Emma Stone on Monday, 28 February (19.30 – 21.00). She will discuss her work in Malawi which looks at the dynamic interrelation between ecosystems, society and poverty. She uses both bats and spotted hyenas as models to assess the impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity and the risks to human health from the wildlife trade, consumption and cultural use as a function of increasing urbanisation.
Book via: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/african-bat-conservation-dr-emma-stone-tickets-268113222867?aff=ebdsoporgprofile
Bristol Wildlife Groups’ Website Work on this is progressing. Each Wildlife Group will be invited to say something about itself. There will also be links to audits and Facebook pages as appropriate. One problem with the website is that although in some areas there is an acknowledged person or group that represents that neighbourhood, that’s not the case everywhere. Please let me know if you are willing to be a contact person for your Wildlife Group. It’s even better if we can establish a small team in each postal district that will work together on this and other local projects. Email: BenBarker@blueyonder.co.uk