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Press Release - Even greener fingers at Great Bow Yard (June 2006)

Trustees from the Ecos Trust and directors from Ecos Homes are getting their green fingers even greener this month, as steps are taken to landscape the community garden at Great Bow Yard in Langport, Somerset.

With advice from Caroline Munns, a local ecologist registered with the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management, and guidance from residents of the eco-homes, native grasses, herbs, shrubs and flowering plants will be selected specifically to attract wildlife to the area.

Situated on the banks of the River Parrett, the garden sits between the completed development of 12 stunningly designed eco-homes and a Grade II listed warehouse currently undergoing eco-renovation. The grounds will be designed to provide both a natural landscaped area for community use and a sanctuary for wildlife to flourish.

Charles Couzens, Chief Executive of the Ecos Trust, the parent organisation to Ecos Homes, comments, "It has always been our vision to convert this site into a wildlife habitat where native plants and species are encouraged, and even before construction began, we took steps to relocate a badger sett that was on site to minimise long-term disturbance. During all stages of construction we have always prioritised the protection of existing flora and fauna, through sensitive design and planning, and we will continue to do this during the restoration and renovation of the warehouse".

To improve the diversity of invertebrates and therefore food for birds, the riverbank will be planted with a mix of native grasses and wild flower seeds, including bents, fescues, red clover for bumblebees and yellow rattle - which prevents grass from becoming too dominant, helping other flowers. Native herbs will be planted in the area beside the riverbank, benefiting the residents and wildlife, and native shrubs such as dogwood, hawthorn, blackthorn and field maple will be planted at the north wing. These shrubs will create refuge for birds, cover for badgers, and provide a good source of food.

Some of the bare soil spaces will be left as they are, to provide areas for ground burrowing insects, and the re-colonisation of plants and grasses that are already present in the seed bank, benefiting the existing invertebrate population.

At least four permanent artificial nest boxes will be incorporated into the eco-homes for birds such as house martins, and there are plans to construct a shed specifically for swallows nesting year after year.

Caroline Munns, the ecologist responsible for compiling the ecological landscaping report for Great Bow Yard comments, "The area surrounding the eco-homes is a fantastic platform for rich species diversity, particularly with the river bank on site, which is an excellent habitat for insects, birds and mammals. It is a pleasure to talk with the residents about their gardens as they are all extremely enthusiastic about attracting wildlife to Great Bow Yard, and are already very knowledgeable about encouraging native species. This will be a very exciting year."