Growing & Biodiversity Group
The aim of the AAFAF Growing & Biodiversity Group is to take care of our local landscape in a sustainable way, by observing and documenting local biodiversity; planting for pollinators and biodiversity; planting and caring for trees which will also help carbon uptake. Involving the wider community as far as possible may encourage others to plant and nurture the land, to grow edibles wherever they can.
We therefore encourage members of the community to grow vegetables, fruit, flowering plants and trees in order to increase biodiversity, to support a more sustainable plant-based diet, to reduce food miles, to sequester carbon and to build community resilience.
Perhaps you would like to learn more about growing or already have some skills you can bring to one or more of our projects. Either way have a look at some of our past, current and future projects (some of the headings are live links to pages with more details about the activity). If you like what you see or have any comment on our work do send us an email. Any help, large or small, will be welcomed - we have lots on.
We therefore encourage members of the community to grow vegetables, fruit, flowering plants and trees in order to increase biodiversity, to support a more sustainable plant-based diet, to reduce food miles, to sequester carbon and to build community resilience.
Perhaps you would like to learn more about growing or already have some skills you can bring to one or more of our projects. Either way have a look at some of our past, current and future projects (some of the headings are live links to pages with more details about the activity). If you like what you see or have any comment on our work do send us an email. Any help, large or small, will be welcomed - we have lots on.
|
Ambleside residents' favourite spaces
In spring 2023 we carried out a survey to discover people’s favourite natural spaces and places around Ambleside, what they think about them and what could be done to make them better. This was part of a project called Net Zero with Trees and Bees and More and we intend to use the results to plan work we (or others) could do in the future. We have produced a booklet on the results of this survey and a copy has been delivered to every household Ambleside. You can download a pdf version of the booklet at this link. |
|
A full report of the consultation and survey is available to download here. As part of the project, AAFAF commissioned Cumbria Biodiversity Data Centre to identify what data and mapping exists of wildlife and habitats in the area. A summary of this work is available here. We are currently working to develop a list of potential projects and actions for climate and nature in the area, based on the findings of these reports.
Flowers and Wildflower Meadows
One of our ambitions is to see more flowers and wildflower meadows in Ambleside to encourage pollinators. Our first new wildflower meadow is in a small triangle of land by Miller Bridge and has the help of pupils from Ambleside Primary School.
Together with one of the hostel managers we are also replanting flower beds at Ambleside Youth Hostel.
One of our ambitions is to see more flowers and wildflower meadows in Ambleside to encourage pollinators. Our first new wildflower meadow is in a small triangle of land by Miller Bridge and has the help of pupils from Ambleside Primary School.
Together with one of the hostel managers we are also replanting flower beds at Ambleside Youth Hostel.
Growing Food
Many of us are very keen to grow our own food in our own gardens, window boxes, etc., and we are constantly looking for spaces in Ambleside to grow more. Several of our members are also members of Ambleside Allotments Association.
Many of us are very keen to grow our own food in our own gardens, window boxes, etc., and we are constantly looking for spaces in Ambleside to grow more. Several of our members are also members of Ambleside Allotments Association.
|
Tree planting and maintenance
Through the effort of members and non-members, we have put considerable effort into planting and maintaining young trees in the Ambleside area. |
|
Growing events
In March 2020 we held an drop-in session at the Kelsick Centre about making compost, growing plants for food and making planting boxes. In June 2021 we held a plant giveaway in the Parish Centre and repeated this in subsequent years with an ever-increasing number of visitors each time. |
|
An orchard in Rothay Park
Just before the first covid lockdown in March 2020 we planted a small orchard of nine apple and plum trees in Rothay Park. They are now growing well and passers-by should be able to pick fruit to eat from them annually.
Just before the first covid lockdown in March 2020 we planted a small orchard of nine apple and plum trees in Rothay Park. They are now growing well and passers-by should be able to pick fruit to eat from them annually.
Ambleside Youth Hostel at Waterhead
The group is working with managers at the YHA to plant a wild flower meadow along the waterfront. The area was prepared over winter 2021/2 and wildflower plugs were planted in spring 2022. Four flower beds have been cleared and fresh planting to encourage pollinators and biodiversity is underway.
The group is working with managers at the YHA to plant a wild flower meadow along the waterfront. The area was prepared over winter 2021/2 and wildflower plugs were planted in spring 2022. Four flower beds have been cleared and fresh planting to encourage pollinators and biodiversity is underway.
|
Signage
We have designed and put in place signs at the Rothay Park orchard and planter, and at the Miller Bridge wildflower meadow. |
|
Registered Charity Number 1188921