A wonderful day was enjoyed in Laxfield for the Wildlife in your Parish course with conservation adviser, Cathy Smith. Community representatives and parish councillors from seven different communities in Suffolk gathered to find out how best to take action for wildlife in their local green spaces. This included discovering just how to assess, prioritise and identify the wildlife potential of local verges, churchyards, recreation grounds, allotments, gardens and parks.

Cathy highlighted where to find the information you need before you start, what to consider and how to plan. Mike Turton from Laxfield Wildlife Group and Pete Lowe, parish clerk for Laxfield Parish Council, joined Cathy in leading a walk around the parish to see just how effective wildlife action can be in practice. Everyone benefited from the opportunity to ask questions of Cathy and the Laxfield team first hand and to discuss their own experiences with one another.

We will be planning more informative sessions and networking events in the new year, so do keep an eye on our Wilder Communities | Suffolk Wildlife Trust pages or get in touch with community.networks@suffolkwildlifetrust.org if you are interested in making a difference to wildlife in your patch or joining our Nature Action Network.