Environment

In addition to the annual Green Butterfly Award Scheme, the Forum has been responsible for the Attractive Garden Scheme, which encouraged the planting of native wildflowers to attract butterflies, bees and other insects, and is looking for other ways in which to raise awareness of the fantastic wildlife of Aberdeenshire.

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Green Butterfly Awards 2011

Aberdeenshire Environmental Forum made its prestigious Green Butterfly Awards for 2011 on Wednesday 16 November, 7.30 pm at Pitcaple Environmental Project, Pitscurry Site.
This year 5 projects were recognised from across Aberdeenshire, they included:

• Wildlife support and general conservation works being implemented at three schools.
• A local composting project.
• A project providing a range of environmentally beneficial works including a local composting site, recycling, wildlife support, organic food production plus educational and training opportunities

All of these provide benefit to local communities and the Aberdeenshire environment.
Results are up on our Award page.

Wildlife Garden at Auchleuchries - 14 July 2011

As part of a recent series of 'Look and See' visits, members of Aberdeenshire Environmental Forum had an inspiring insight into 'wild gardening' on their recent visit to South Mains of Auchleuchries, home of well-known environmental consultant Bob Davis.

As well as his tree nursery, Bob has created areas friendly to all manner of wild plants as well as insects and birds.
His pride and joy is his wild flower meadow where he has sown hundreds of seeds.
"Quite a few just come of their own accord," said Bob, "such as ox-eye daisies, meadow cranesbill and tufted vetch, which is most rewarding. I take it as a compliment that these wild flowers are happy to settle here."

His pond area has also attracted welcome visitors such as the dainty damsel fly and a whole host of frogs.
"It's a wonderful spot for gathering seeds too," he said.
His bird boxes were soon 'tenanted' by blue tits, the larger boxes to encourage owls.

The forum group found the evening was one of heady scents of old fashioned plants such as honeysuckle, briar rose, wild thyme and sweet cicely to name just a few as well as being a useful demonstration of how to work with nature.
"In creating a wild garden you must consider not only what is attractive to you but also what the wild life wants."


Members of Aberdeenshire Environmental Forum on their visit to Bob Davis' inspiring wildlife garden.
Photo and Article by Griselda McGregor

If you are interested in creating your own wildlife gardening, we have some suggestions for planting - see here!