Wildlife boxes to boost biodiversity at council flats

24 April 2023

Wildlife boxes have been installed at two council flat blocks in Welshpool as part of an initiative to improve biodiversity, the county council has said.

The wildlife boxes have been installed at Buckley House and Alfred Jones Place in Welshpool thanks to the efforts of SWG Construction, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and SWG Construction.

Three bird boxes and three insect boxes have been installed by SWG Construction as part their community benefit work after they carried out fire safety improvement works at Buckley House last year.

The wildlife boxes were provided by Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust as part of their Green Connections Powys project, which brings together businesses, community groups and landowners to tackle climate change and encourage nature across the county.

The Trust provided advice to SWG Construction and the council about the best locations for the wildlife boxes to improve biodiversity. The council will ensure that the wildlife boxes are maintained and cleaned annually.

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for a Fairer Powys, said: "I'm delighted that this initiative has taken place and I would like to thank Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust and SWG Construction for their involvement.

"As part of our At Home in Powys - Housing Business Plan, we want to encourage and support a greener future for our council housing estates and improve the wellbeing of our tenants.

"This initiative will not only boost biodiversity and have a positive impact on our tenants but it will help us deliver a greener Powys."

Jacqui Gough, SWG director, says: "We are always looking for ways to ensure our construction sites are as green as possible, so when we heard about Green Connections Powys project we were very keen to get involved.

"Each of the sites involved in the project are housing projects we have completed for Powys County Council, so we would like to thank them for allowing the habitat boxes to be installed and for agreeing to keep an eye on them to make sure they are maintained."

Lottie Glover, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust Community Wildlife Officer says: "We are delighted to work with SWG and Powys County Council to provide more space for wildlife. Not only will installing these boxes improve biodiversity in the area, it will also undoubtedly have a positive impact on local residents, connecting them with the nature on their doorstep - something we know to be hugely beneficial for wellbeing."

For more information about the Green Connections Powys project, visit www.montwt.co.uk/our-projects/green-connections-powys