Posted on: Friday 12 June 2020
Torfaen County Borough Council, along with partner organisations will be leading a new Urban Biodiversity project called ‘An Urban Buzz’.
The project is being funded by Welsh Government’s Enabling Natural Resources and Well-being (ENRaW) grant through A Resilient Greater Gwent work programme. This is due to run until summer 2022 and aims to work towards creating a South East Wales where nature is in recovery and sustainable communities value their landscapes and wildlife for their own health and well-being.
The project will focus on the value and diversity of urban wildlife, and the benefits of the natural environment on well-being. The aim is to encourage behaviour change through community participation and positive action, from small steps such as gardening in a more wildlife friendly way to taking part in activities for wider community benefit such as tree planting events. There will also be a focus on encouraging people to take an active part in recording the wildlife in their urban landscape and gardens, and sharing information with local biodiversity record centres such as SEWBReC http://www.sewbrec.org.uk/.
For the first part of our new project, and to offer some thanks for all their hard work under current pressures, we will be offering NHS staff across Torfaen the opportunity to apply for one of 100 free ‘Wildlife & Well-being’ Packages. Packages will contain a number of items to assist in engagement with garden wildlife.
Councillor Mandy Owen, executive member for the environment said: “NHS staff have a really tough job at the moment so being able to offer the Wildlife and Wellbeing packs to those interested is fantastic.
“We all feel the benefits of being outdoors, and looking after the well-being of NHS staff right now is vital.
“These packs will help people connect with nature, and will help us find out more about wildlife in Torfaen. We are hoping that those who receive a pack enjoy recording wildlife in their gardens, and have fun
Recipients of the packs will need to provide photographs of their activity with the contents of the package and provide regular monthly updates (for a minimum of six months). The information and feedback received will be used to get a better understanding of the range and distribution of species across the borough, and to find out how well the packs have been received.
Applications are only open to NHS staff and you will need to provide us with details of your profession and workplace.
Packages will be delivered towards the end of July providing there are no delays in obtaining items, and will be delivered to your doorstep complying with all current social distancing guidelines.
To apply for a Wildlife & Wellbeing Package please email RGGAnUrbanBuzz@torfaen.gov.uk
Deadline for applications: 12pm Friday 19th June 2020
*Packages are limited to 100 in total and will be offered on a first come first serve per ward basis, to allow a fair distribution across the borough.