Action For Insects How To Build A Hedgehog Home
With spring just around the corner, Ashington Town Council is launching an exciting new "Action for Insects" plan! At the latest Council meeting, members passed a motion committing to creating more insect-friendly spaces throughout the town.
Why the big buzz about insects? Because these little creatures play a vital role in our local ecosystem as pollinators, decomposers, and food sources for wildlife. Sadly, many insect species are in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and other human impacts.
To help insects thrive in Ashington, the Council will be taking several steps, including:
- Allowing wildflowers to bloom along verges and in parks
- Planting more insect-friendly plants and trees
- Minimizing pesticide use on council grounds
- Installing insect hotels and bee bricks to provide nesting sites
These small changes can add up to make a big difference in supporting Ashington's biodiversity. And the Council wants the whole community to get involved!
The Council will be sharing daily tips from @NorthumberlandWildlifeTrust on Facebook and Twitter. Follow along to discover easy ways to turn your garden, balcony, or yard into an insect-friendly haven through steps like planting native species and avoiding chemical pesticides.
Today's "Action for Insects" activity is building hedgehog homes! Hedgehogs are in decline across the UK, but providing nesting boxes is an easy way to support these prickly insectivores.
Residents are encouraged to get hands-on by trying the daily activities, snapping photos of their insect-friendly efforts, and sending them to admin@ashingtontowncouncil.gov.uk. The council will share submitted photos online and send free wildflower seed packets to participants. All photos will also be featured in an "Action for Insects" video at the upcoming ECO Fair in February 2025.
With insect populations declining globally at an alarming rate, it's more important than ever for communities like Ashington to take action. Together, we can protect these amazing creatures and ensure they continue playing their crucial role in our local environment for generations to come. So get buzzing, Ashington!
