Residents are being encouraged to get involved in practical conservation work across Swindon to help Wiltshire Wildlife Trust protect and improve habitats for one of the UKโs rarest amphibians through the Swindon Forest Meadows project.
Volunteers recently joined Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Swindon Borough Council for a day of habitat management at a pond in Haydon End, helping to improve conditions for great crested newts and other wildlife.
The work formed part of the Swindon Forest Meadows project, a long-running partnership between the Trust and the Council, which protects and connects important wildlife habitats across the Borough.
Volunteers spent the day removing rubbish, managing vegetation and creating habitat features that support great crested newts, a protected species that relies on healthy ponds and surrounding green spaces to breed and thrive.
This summerโs exceptionally dry weather created a rare opportunity for volunteers to access parts of the pond that would normally be underwater, allowing them to remove debris and improve conditions before water levels return later in the year.
The Swindon Forest Meadows project supports a network of around 25 ponds known to be home to great crested newts, helping ensure habitats remain connected and resilient for wildlife.
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and the Council are now encouraging more residents to get involved in volunteering opportunities available through the project.
Alongside pond conservation, local people can support work in meadows and woodlands, as well as tree planting and tree care schemes across Swindon.
Councillor Jake Chandler, Swindon Borough Councilโs Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Strategy, Resilience and Green Infrastructure, said:
Projects like this are incredibly important for protecting and enhancing biodiversity across Swindon.
Great crested newts are one of the UKโs rarest amphibians and weโre fortunate to have populations living across our borough. Looking after these habitats takes time, care and dedication, which is why the support of volunteers is so valuable.
As well as helping wildlife thrive, volunteering is a fantastic way to spend time outdoors, meet new people and make a real difference to the environment. I would encourage anyone with an interest in nature to come along and get involved.
Neil Pullen, Conservation Officer at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said:
The Swindon Forest Meadows project has been running for several years and weโve already welcomed more than 50 volunteers who have helped us care for wildlife habitats across the Borough.
From restoring ponds for great crested newts to managing meadows, woodlands and planting trees, volunteers make a huge contribution to nature recovery in Swindon.
Some volunteers have even gone on to gain specialist training and licences to support protected species work. There are opportunities for everyone, whatever your experience, and weโd love to hear from anyone interested in getting involved.
Residents interested in getting involved can find out more about volunteering opportunities with Wiltshire Wildlife Trust on its website.
