Page 16 - ALG Issue 3 2024

WILD
SPACES
The twin nature and climate crises are now well understood and regularly feature on news bulletins. Despite this, the enormity of these challenges can feel overwhelming at a local level. But we can make a difference.We know we rely on nature: it enriches our lives and provides for our everyday needs.
With native species – including many of our once-commonly-seen butterflies and moths – and their habitats continuing to decline, it is surely time to ask ourselves: can we imagine a future without them? What can we do to help?
Butterfly Conservation’s Wild Spaces
Butterfly Conservation has developed a simple and easy way for anyone, anywhere, to make a practical contribution to nature and feel good at the same time.As part of our mission to help butterflies and moths thrive, we have launched a new nationwide initiative to engage individuals, communities and volunteer groups to take positive action.
Wild Spaces aims to inspire people from
different backgrounds across the UK to help butterflies and moths. Wild Spaces are all around us.They can be large or small, rural or urban - from the flowers in our window boxes, to the pots on our patios, the patches of weeds in our gardens or the wildflower meadows in our churchyards and parks.
What defines a Wild Space is simply that they provide space for butterflies and moths to thrive, namely to feed, breed and shelter and are free from pesticides and where any compost used is peat-free.
Wild Spaces on Allotments
Anyone can get involved by creating their own Wild Space or helping enhance and maintain a space in their local community.
There is a wealth of information and a simple process to register a Wild Space online at: www.wild-spaces.co.uk
A space can be transformed in just a few simple steps. Every transformation will help make space for butterflies and moths and provide a haven that allows people to slow down and connect to nature.
Overlooked corners or small sections of allotment plots make excellent Wild Spaces.
AWild Space inAction!
At Folly Lane Allotments in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, a Wild Space was created by planting to support butterflies and moths in addition to growing fruit and vegetables.The space includes a large, sunny nettle-bed and planted hedge of holly and Alder Buckthorn,
16 | Issue 3 2024 | Allotment and Leisure Gardener