The Wild Bunch is open to anyone who is interested in gardening for wildlife in our private gardens and shared local green spaces. Championing the idea of our gardens and green spaces being inter-connected parts of a much larger wild space that is owned by our wild neighbours, the group shares ideas, hosts monthly gatherings and holds public events that promote wildlife-friendly approaches in our neighbourhoods.

Wild Bunch gatherings take place on the third Thursday of every month with an option to join online via Zoom. 

The next gatherings are as follows:

16th March - Plants for Pollinators
Town Hall with online option
We will be looking at pollinating bugs and what they like to eat. Where to grow and what to plant – including how to store and use the seeds for next year.

20th April - Food Growing
Muriel Jones Allotments, Birchill Ln 
How can we grow food efficiently while still being mindful of the needs of wildlife? Experienced gardeners give us their top tips – bring yours to share too. We’ll be on location at Muriel Jones allotments on Birchill Lane (BA11 5ND).

18th May - Wildlife by Water
Vallis Vale/Egford Brook
This month Wild Bunch will be on location at Vallis Vale, learning how to take river samples and looking at the wildlife that the riverside environment caters for.

15th June - Pond Dipping
Welshmill Pond
A repeat of last year’s popular pond dipping session at Welshmill pond. Jo Morris will guide us through the dipping process and we can examine together what we find and look at how things have changed in the pond over a year. It will be an opportunity to ask questions about our own ponds and pond plans too.

20th July - Bees and Butterflies
Rodden Meadow
On location in Rodden Meadow, local butterfly and wildflower experts will take us on a guided walk, hoping to spot butterflies and the flowers that feed them.

August - No gathering this month but look out for more information on some summer holiday wildlife activities to take part in.

21st September - Hedgehog Awareness
Town Hall with online option
Laura Batts from Prickles Hedgehog rescue centre will be leading a session on hedgehog awareness, at a time of year when we need to make sure our local hedgehog population are well fed and sheltered, prior to hibernation.

19th October - Fungi
Woodland location tbc
Local fungi experts will take us on a guided walk, seeing what we can spot and looking more broadly at the function of fungi in our local habitats.

16th November - Compost and Leaf Mulch
Loop Compost at the Yard
A look at the wonder of compost and what we should be doing in our gardens to maximise its potential. Peter from the Loop Compost project extols the virtues of the rich compost made from food waste and Jo Morris talks to us about leaf mulch.