Merley Nature Group is a small group of residents passionate about our local wildlife. Our aim is to get the community involved in managing wildlife habitats around them, help enhance and protect wildlife habitats, meet like-minded people and at the same time improve their wellbeing by being outdoors.
Some of the tasks we have already actioned within Merley have been;Putting up bird and bat boxes (purchased by our volunteers) in various locations, this includes a tawny owl box. Working with The Lantern Church we have planted daffodil and crocus bulbs (some donated by Tesco and purchased by our volunteers) in three different locations (Selkirk Park, Lantern Church and Chichester Walk grassland area). Working with Merley First School and Merley Community Centre, we fenced off an grassland area within the centre car park, to save some pyramidal and bee orchids being trod on. We've planted sapling trees (donated by The Woodland Trust) in one corner of Fenners Field, which we now weed when needed. We rake the cut grass on the banks at the zip-line area to help improve the ground for wildflowers to thrive in the summer when left uncut by the council.
We are currently trying to find funding for future wildlife projects around Merley so hopefully more projects will be on the horizon.
Contact merleynaturegroup@gmail.com