Biodiversity gains at Froyle recreation ground March 2026

Froyle Wildlife received an EHDC local councillor grant for biodiversity enhancements on Froyle recreation ground. The grant was for 4 bird nest boxes, a large ‘Bee and Insect hotel’, and 250 snowdrop bulbs. Volunteers installed these recently, so thanks to those that helped.
The nest boxes on trees provide more nesting places for small birds such as great tit, sparrows and nuthatch. These were put up at the beginning of April on mature trees at approximately 3m height with a north-westerly aspect (as recommended by RSPB). Within 2 days a blue tit was seen visiting one of the new nest boxes. The new nest boxes supplement those put up in previous years -6 on trees in 2021 and two terraces of 3 sparrow boxes on the wall of Froyle village hall in 2023.

The ‘hotel’ provides solitary bees, pollinators and insects with a sheltered habitat that can be also be seen by anyone. The existing wildflower meadow areas that are nearby will provide nectar to attract pollinators, mainly during May, June and July. The hotel weighing about 25kg was supplied with two stub posts that needed 600mm deep holes and secured with concrete. This was heavy work for 3 volunteers but should ensure a stable installation.

       
The plantings of snowdrop bulbs in the shade of deciduous trees will provide seasonal interest. They were purchased ‘in the green’ so will not flower until Spring 2027. They were planted in clumps with 4 to 6 bulbs and the clumps in random groups around the perimeter of the recreation ground.

These new items supplement the existing wildflower plots (British native species), living willow dome and native tree plantings.