Hi, this is Jo from the Wild Bunch. Summer has truly arrived, and while I often feel like I’m permanently behind with jobs in the garden, I stopped for a moment recently, to simply appreciate what I have created. Standing amongst the flowers, listening to the constant hum of bees, and looking at my ‘Team Wilder – This is a Wildlife Friendly Garden’ plaque from Somerset Wildlife Trust, I felt a real sense of pride and purpose.
My garden certainly isn’t neat and tidy in the traditional sense. It’s wonderfully wild. Long grass sways in the breeze, colourful flowers spill into pathways, and every corner seems alive with insects. It feels like an extension of the wider landscape around us – natural and constantly changing, but also a small space of my own that I share with the wildlife around me. I just love it!
The small wildlife pond has become especially important during this hot weather, providing water and relief for birds, bees, hedgehogs and countless other creatures.
Creating a wildlife-friendly garden does not have to mean transforming your entire outdoor space overnight. Even small changes can make a huge difference. Leaving an area of grass to grow longer, planting pollinator-friendly flowers, not using pesticides, or adding a small water source can all help support local wildlife.
If you enjoy seeing nature visiting your garden, why not apply for a wildlife-friendly garden plaque yourself? The process is simple, you may learn something new along the way, and most importantly, you could inspire neighbours and friends to support wildlife in their own green spaces too. By registering your garden, you also help Somerset Wildlife Trust build a clearer picture of where wildlife-friendly habitats are across the county. You can find more information by following the link at the end of the column.
Summer is also the perfect time to get involved in the Frome Community Wildlife Mapping Project, helping Frome Town Council understand the state of biodiversity in our town. Taking part is completely free and very easy. Simply download the iNaturalist app, join the ‘Frome Town’ project, and record wildlife you spot in gardens, parks, or green spaces whenever you have a spare moment.
There’s no pressure and no expertise required. Even a couple of observations each week can provide valuable information for future biodiversity planning. And if you’re unsure what you’ve spotted, the friendly iNaturalist community is always happy to help with identification. Every record matters, and together we can help make Frome a wilder place for wildlife and people alike.
Our next Wild Bunch Gathering is on 16 July at 1.30pm at Rodden Meadow. It will be a butterfly-themed walk with John Samways. John’s passion for butterflies and engaging with the local community is infectious, and he has taken part in many butterfly walks and events over the years, sharing the beauty and wonder of these incredible insects. His enthusiasm has inspired many people, highlighting both the importance of butterflies in nature and the joy they bring to people of all ages.
Register your garden with Somerset Wildlife Trust at somersetwildlife.org/get-involved/at-home/wildlife-gardening.
