Why are you doing rewilding?
The decline in insects and birds across the UK has been well documented. Pollinators, in particular, are suffering due to decline in habitat. Bird species are declining through reduction in nesting areas and their food sources of seeds and insects.
In January 2021 the Parish Council adopted a Climate Crisis Strategy and Action Plan part of which is to carry out some rewilding of the village.

How much of Wrington is to be rewilded?

We have looked initially at areas of mown grass that are on the more significant roads through the village. These offer the greatest visual benefit to most people.

Will the rewilding of grass areas create lots of flowers?
That’s the aim; flower meadows look lovely. They are challenging to maintain so there may be problems along the way, but our team of local volunteers are up to the job.
We will be monitoring the rewilded areas and will adapt our management to support wildflower growth.

Will rewilded areas look untidy?
We think this is a matter of personal preference.
We also recognise that this change from the traditional management of blanket mowing might take time for some people to get used to. We will still maintain mowed edges and paths through areas which will show that we are sti ll actively maintaining this land.

Will the rewilded areas attract vermin and ticks?
Rats are part of the natural environment and are present in most locations. Tall grass and tree planting areas will not attract them any more than existing hedgerows and other vegetation. For populations to exist a constant food source must be present and flowers amongst grass do not provide this.
Ticks are also part of the natural environment, but for them to proliferate a contributing host (such as deer or pheasants) have to be present regularly. This is not the case in Wrington.

Will rewilded areas attract rubbish and dog mess?
Rewilding does not stop residents from still being responsible for not dropping litter or picking up after their dogs. Grass and wildflowers are not an adequate reason or excuse not to do so. We will litter pick areas before we cut the grass at the end of the season.

How will you manage the tall grass and wildflowers?
The grass will be cut once at the end of the growing season during
September / October (exact timing will be dependent on the weather). We will cut it in a way that the seeds fall on the ground to form flowers for the next year.

The cut grass and flower plants will be removed to avoid increasing fertility which is bad for w ildflowers.

Do the flowers need to be watered?
It may be necessary to water the wildflowers during the period where the seeds are germinating but only if the weather is particularly dry, and this will be managed by volunteers.

How will I know which sites are going to be rewilded?
Please see the 'Sites' page of this website.

How can I volunteer to help with rewilding?
We actively invite volunteers to be involved please email wringtongreenmatters@gmail.com

Tasks will include, ground preparation, watering, seed and plant sowing, grass cutting and raking.
We will also be looking for champions or each site who can act as the group’s eyes and ears and lead any maintenance required.