We have had some great moments over the summer and early autumn connecting people across the community through tie-dying, discovering NGP’s unique flora on botany and tree walks with the Natural History Society of Northumbria, orchard maintenance sessions, and supporting Great Park Academy’s Green Week.
The June botany walk was particularly magical, 20 people of all ages came together and we wandered off the beaten track, discovering a beautiful grove of willows which then led us to a secluded wetland area with orchids and sedges. It was so exciting to discover such a place, and I look forward to accidentally discovering more magical spots like this across NGP!
Our hedgehog project is underway with 10 footprint tunnels around the area, supporting residents to find and record evidence of hedgehogs and other wildlife in their gardens. We are currently exploring how to facilitate some practical sessions for improving our gardens for hedgehogs and other wildlife.
I’m looking forward to the Halloween Fair at Great Park community centre on October 25th, and lantern making in November as the long nights draw closer!
We’re always looking for more ideas for our winter wildlife activities, so please do get in touch and let Lucy know if you have any.