Boxes for bugs and birds – recycled wood is used to create mini wildlife habitats

An award-winning wildlife project based in the gardens of a Shropshire hospice has gained the support of resale and recycling social enterprise Reviive.

Since it was established in 2016, Shelter Wildlife Together at Severn Hospice has gained three accolades: a Telford & Wrekin Council Active Lifestyle award, a BESST (Business Environmental Support Scheme for Telford) Natural Capital Enhancement award, and a five star outstanding notification in the Royal Horticultural Society’s It’s Your Neighbourhood initiative. Wood donated by Reviive is being used to build bird nest and bug boxes.

Julie Burroughs, one of 25 volunteer gardeners and founder of Shelter Wildlife Together, said: “The donations are extremely useful and now with a regular supply from Reviive we can place the boxes in carefully chosen locations at each of the hospice sites in Apley and Bicton for patients and visitors to enjoy, as well as sell them in the organisation’s shops throughout the county. In addition, a number of patients, through the hospice’s arts and crafts activities, have also helped to prepare and paint the items.”

The bird nest and bug boxes will be on sale at the Severn Hospice Open Gardens Day, Apley on Sunday 02 June, from 1pm to 4pm.

Pictures: (left to right) Kevin Diss, commercial business development manager, Reviive and Julie Burroughs, volunteer gardener, Shelter Wildlife Together project, Severn Hospice.