We are committed to taking action to preserve and restore biodiversity across the land which we own and/or manage. Biodiversity is defined as the different kinds of wildlife you’ll find in an area.
In 2020 we declared an Ecological Emergency even though we were already taking action in some areas.
What we’ve done
Wildlife Protection Policy
Our Wildlife Protection Policy Statement aims to make town council managed land a safe place for wildlife.
This includes not allowing hunting and to use non-lethal methods of animal control where possible on our land.
The policy includes the reduced use of pesticides and artificial fertilisers.
A pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life.
Tree planting
In 2023, we planted 3,500 trees around the town thanks to a £96,000 grant from the Forestry Commission secured through Wiltshire Council.
We also organised 2 community tree planting events in Poulton Park called Plant Poulton Park.
These community events allowed residents to play their part in the future of their local green space.
At the first event over 70 people attended and planted 1,200 smaller trees (whips) to form a mini forest.
The trees were planted following the Miyawaki method.
Miyawaki forests are miniature forests often planted by community groups where dense planting aims to allow trees will grow more quickly, improve biodiversity, and absorb more CO2.
The trees planted included Alder, Silver Birch, Hornbeam, Hazel, Holly, Dogwood, Beech, Hawthorn, Crab Apple, English Oak, Sessile Oak, Bird Cherry and Wild Cherry.
Lighting Strategy
The Lighting Strategy helps to protect local bats. The strategy was approved by councillors and adopted in July 2022.
Biodiversity in BOA