Risby Wildlife Project

Risby Wildlife Project to make Risby a Wildlife Friendly Village

In September 2019 a Risby resident, Sophie Flux, approached Risby Parish Council about the possibility of turning Risby into a Wildlife friendly village. The aim of the project is to bring the local community together to encourage greater biodiversity, and to protect wildlife, plants and trees.

She produced a detailed project plan which was presented to the Parish Council in November 2019.  The Parish Council was very supportive of the proposals and the Risby Wildlife Working Group (WWG) was set up to move the plans forward.  The first meeting was held on 12^th December 2019 and was attended by 12 people.  On 29^th December several members of the group went on a village ‘walkabout’ to look at possible areas in the village which could be turned into wildlife areas.  Several areas have been identified around the village including areas under the trees on the greens and the mound near the ‘Multi Use Games Area’ on the recreation field.  Wild seeds and bulbs will be planted to provide a natural habitat for insects and wildlife.

Workshops will be held every month to provide information about possible ways that residents can do things themselves to encourage biodiversity. 19 people attended the first workshop – ‘Feeding wild birds’ on 21^st December.  Participants made wild bird feeders and seed cakes free of charge.  The wild bird seed was kindly donated by Risby Farm Shop. Following the workshop, some new people volunteered to get involved in the WWG.

The second workshop ‘Wildflowers’ was on Saturday 18^th January 2020.  

In addition to the workshops, monthly wildlife articles have been included in the village newsletter The Stile.  Their aim is to inform residents about wildlife and spread the word about the project.

The initiative, which has the support of a number of village organisations and businesses, has received locality budget funding from Cllr Glossop who represents Risby on West Suffolk Council. The £730 of budget funding will be used to buy wildflower seeds and bulbs as well as bat and bird boxes.

To find out more or to get involved contact Sophie Flux. Her email address is wildlifefriendlyvillage@gmail.com or ring 07758 739332

Wildlife of the month articles submitted by Risby Wildlife Project

If you have any queries about these articles or would like to read future articles please visit Risby Wildlife Project 

Wildlife of the month - October edition - Helping hedgehogs

Hedgehog-photo.pdf

Wildlife of the month August edition - Lacewings

Wildlife of the month July edition - House sparrows

Wildlife of the month June edition - Hedgehogs

Wildlife of the month May edition - The Earthworm

Wildlife of the month April addition - The English Oak

Wildlife of the month March edition - The Robin

Wildlife of the month February edition - Winter active bumble bees