'We're feeding the bees': Wild spaces project to return in East Suffolk
Churchyards and open spaces across East Suffolk will be left to nature again this year, in a bid to boost biodiversity
Last updated 5th Apr 2022
A project which leaves grass and wildflowers to grow in public spaces in East Suffolk is to return for a third year.
The 'pardon the weeds, we're feeding the bees' scheme was first set up in 2020 as a way to allow nature to thrive, with local communities encouraged to leave open spaces, banks and churchyards to nautre.
The aim is to give a boost to conservation efforts in East Suffolk and to help species like bees survive and thrive.
More than 100 spaces across the district are to be allowed to grow this year, including open spaces in Beccles and churchyards in Bungay.
Town and parish councils will only step in to remove litter or control invasive plant species.
James Mallinder, of East Suffolk Council, said:
“We are committed to promoting environmental sustainability and ensuring responsible stewardship of our open spaces.
"The wild spaces are well received by local communities, and we are delighted to be bringing them back for another year to help wildlife to thrive and to benefit those living nearby.
“We are keen to encourage others to create wildlife spaces of their own and so this year, we are supporting town and parish councils to identify areas of their own land which could be used for conservation too.
"Participating town and parish councils will be able to order special signage for their wild spaces.”
The project was set up after East Suffolk Council declared a climate emergency in 2019.