Torbay Council and wildlife charity Buglife are working together to launch a new local nature initiative to help stop the decline in the population of bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.

Torbay’s Buzzing will be aiming to support these declining insect populations by filling Torbay’s parks and green spaces with wildflowers. The funding, which Torbay Council have committed £20,000 to along with a grant of £28,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF),  will be used to transform areas of mown grass from green deserts into havens for wildlife and people.

In total over five hectares, which is the equivalent of five football pitches, will be enhanced across sites in Torbay, Paignton and Brixham.  Torbay’s Buzzing will also be giving tired flowerbeds a makeover by adding nectar and pollen-rich flowers to create “Pollinator Cafes”, and planting blossom-rich trees for bees.

Volunteers from local communities will be invited to sow seeds, plant wildflowers and trees, and get involved in family bug hunts and our Torbay’s Buzzing Pollinator Survey to see how the wildlife on their doorstep is benefitting! 

Torbay’s Elected Mayor, Gordon Oliver, said: “Torbay is rich in natural beauty and wildlife and this initiative will give a much needed boost to Torbay’s bees. It will not only improve the look of our flowerbeds and green spaces, creating wonderful wildflower-rich wildlife havens for everyone to enjoy, but provide a safe place for insects and pollinators who contribute so much to our lives.”

 

Commenting on the award, Joanne Gilvear, Buglife’s Torbay’s Buzzing Conservation Officer commented. “Buglife’s experience of urban pollinator enhancement means this project will really get Torbay Buzzing!  We’d love to hear from you if you are interested in doing something positive for wildlife in Torbay.”

Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “Pollinating insects are such an important part of our natural environment and projects like this are vital if we are to stop the worrying decline in populations seen over recent years. Thanks to National Lottery players, this project will also bring a burst of colour to some of Torbay’s green spots so that people can enjoy the flowers as much as the wildlife. ”

To get involved in wildflower planting and other bug activities, please contact Joanne Gilvear at Buglife on 01752 395188, or e-mail joanne.gilvear@buglife.org.uk

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Heritage Lottery Fund