Laverstock wildlife Facebook group expanding to in-person meetings
Wild About Laverstock aims to support species on our doorsteps
An online community in part of Salisbury, celebrating local wildlife, is meeting in person for the first time tonight (Friday 30th September).
Wild About Laverstock has around 90 members on Facebook, sharing pictures and best practice to look after species in gardens, rivers and even in garages and sheds!
Nick Baker set it up and says he's been 'blown away' by the response:
"The idea was, from the beginning, that it would be self-sustaining - not just us pumping out information for everyone else. But it's been so exciting to see the different things and learn from each other after people have posted."
The group's first live meeting is taking place at St Andrew's Church in Laverstock from 7.00pm tonight.
It'll include talks about the wildlife at the church itself and another from the team at Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital.
Nick's told Greatest Hits Radio that he's got a few aims for the community:
"What I would love to see is lots of little things springing up - from holes in fences so that hedgehogs can get from place to place; to more people being aware from how animals can benefit from leaving some water out in the garden; just sharing best practice. If people can see how easy it is to do it, I think more people will be encouraged to do it themselves."
As well as the Facebook page, Wild About Laverstock also has a website |newtab), for those who don't use social media to get involved.
The group's part of the Eco-Church scheme at St Andrew's Laverstock, which has been awarded a Bronze Award from A Rocha UK and an Animal Friendly Church Award from the Anglican Society for the Welfare of Animals.