Wild Welford is here to protect and enhance our green spaces and wildlife.
It was founded by Helen Dyson, Hilary Hunt and Bill Wright with the vision that it will be an umbrella group for a series of projects, including the existing Trees for Welford.
Potential new projects include Save Our Swifts, Hedgehog Street and Curtains for Light Pollution. These are all national initiatives with resources we can use instead of starting from zero.
As a legal entity, we are able to apply for grants, attract sponsorship and accept donations.
Partnerships
The support of both the Parish Council and West Northamptonshire Council will be important. Parish Councillor Sandy Lane, who was at our first meeting, will be our liaison there while Councillor Christine Ware (represented by Anna Hughes at the meeting) will be our contact at West Northants. Helen will keep them both informed.
We will work closely with Green Welford, which has run wildlife-related events such as the bat walk, bug hotel and apple pressing.
Yvonne Dean volunteered to be our liaison with the Council for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) and to provide information about their community awards.
Ellen Worrell told us how engaged children at the village School are about the environment and climate change.
Chris Sheldrick,representing Guilsborough School and the Scouts, has kindly offered his help.
We’ll also be working with the Pocket Park chaired by Bill.
Partnering with schools and young people’s groups will be an important way to get children and young people involved with our projects.
There are, of course, many more organisations in Welford who we look forward to talking with.