Protection of Honiton's wildlife on the agenda for Town Council meeting

At a recent conference held by Devon Community Action for Wildlife - in which Cllr Caroline Kolek represented both Honiton Town Council and the people of Honiton - ideas were put forward that may be adopted in our town, to help with the preservation and recovery of wildlife and species we share our home with.

After hearing a talk given by the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project, which discussed how this rare species of bat might be better protected, Kolek asked in her report: "Is the Devon Greater Horseshoe Bat Project something we could encourage and support in Honiton?"

Devon is one of the last remaining areas in northern Europe where high populations still exist, having declined in numbers by over 90% over the past few decades.

She went on to mention meadows: "A discussion on community meadows and how some communities are creating a community meadow to encourage biodiversity, helping to enhance the local landscape and provide an area of peace and tranquility which is shown to help health and wellbeing."

Following on from that, it was discussed: "how local gardens can

support biodiversity with plants that attract birds, bees and butterflies, allowing patches of natural meadow instead of manicured lawns, where size allows, and the use of ponds and beehives."

The question proposed is whether 'Honiton Town Council could produce some guidelines on their website regarding how our gardens can support local biodiversity?'

The four key points Cllr Kolek identifies in relation to Honiton's conservation efforts are as follows:

• Creating a Town Meadow
• Joining the Bat Project
• Providing information on wildlife friendly gardens
• Further developing wild verges

The aim is for Councillors to discuss how these might be implemented at a Green and Open Spaces meeting.