Jun 2021
Residents think big and act wild!
Athelstan House joins in activity to rewild Britain
Residents have signed up to be part of the national 'BLUE' campaign which aims to rewild Britain garden by garden.
A rewilded garden is a healthy garden full of colour and life. It takes less effort than conventional gardening and all of the plants are already in place, waiting for a chance to grow. Taking part in this campaign is one very easy step for residents to restore their garden’s biodiversity with habitats including long grass, hedges and ponds.
And it has long been acknowledged that gardens and green spaces are associated with better physical, social and mental health. The health benefits of gardening are broad and diverse, with research studies showing significant reductions in depression and anxiety and improved social functioning. Gardening can also help maintain independence and prevent cognitive decline.
So, to support the Blue Campaign, volunteer Lynne Edwards has set aside an area in the garden to let it re-wild, allowing the natural flora to colonise. Lynne has planted forget-me-nots, oxeye daisy and poppy seeds as well as a couple of poppy plug plants. In the Autumn the plan is to plant wild daffodils and some naturalising crocus to give some early pollen opportunities for the bees.
Home Manager Sara Cryer says: “Not only is being part of the rewilding campaign activity great for all residents’ physical and mental health, it’s also about reconnecting people with the natural world and helping communities thrive.”