“I feel so uplifted by going. It is good for my self-esteem”
What difference have they made?
Helping the community recover from the pandemic
“The area around Butterfly Junction was very important to me as a green space to come to during lockdown, so I’m glad to have the opportunity to give something back too.”
‘The route through Butterfly Junction is very well used by people of all ages ….. so it feels good to be able to improve the environment there. People often stop to ask what we’re doing, or, just to say thank you, so it’s definitely noticed’
Encouraging people who do not regularly use the park
FrANC has created a warm welcoming environment to people wanting to garden at Butterfly Junction.
“A lovely group of people & leaders. I look forward to meeting each month.”
"After each session the sense of belonging has grown & I feel a keen sense of pride in contributing to a valuable enterprise that enhances this small, local area. Meeting with like minded people & forming bonds with other committed volunteers builds on this further – the coffee & cake after with a chance to talk & share ideas & experiences is invaluable too.”
“I often go and look at the area when the group is not there to check that all is well and to feel a bit of pride that I have helped rescue an otherwise overgrown area to become a sanctuary for butterflies
The gardening sessions have been particularly important for people with mental health issues and their carers/ family.
“I care for my partner who has a mental health issue. This project has brought a positive, meaning focus into our lives.”
Whilst working in the area, the group has also noticed new people enjoying and using it, including passers by on their way to Ashton Court festivals, joggers, people out for a cycle ride and office workers looking for a ‘serene break’ for their lunch.
The impact on nature
“It’s been important to me to help improve a local green space that is an important site for butterflies, to help increase biodiversity, especially as I live in a very urbanised area of Bristol.”
Brambles and ivy which had dominated the area has been removed and a seed mix, especially suited to butterflies and moths, has been planted.
Cabbage Whites and Tortoise Shell butterflies have been spotted, as well as quite a few bumble bees and other solitary bees and insects and hover-flies. Robins and blackbirds also seem to be enjoying the area.
Supporting health and wellbeing
“Taking part in the group has been very beneficial to me. The physical exercise & sense of achievement, seeing the positive outcomes of the work has really boosted my self esteem, particularly as I’ve had some stressful family issues to deal with recently. Working cooperatively alongside others on a joint project of value to the wider community & wildlife certainly increases my sense of well-being. It is really good to meet with a different set of people whom I might otherwise never have encountered”
Looking to the future
FrANC has clearly achieved is aims and created a successful gardening group.
“We have a really good team of people engaged on beautifying the greater Butterfly Junction area and… this work is valued by the community”
The gardening group is continuing and in the autumn and winter there are plans to plant native British cherry trees alongside the cycle path / walkway just up from Butterfly Junction which will benefit from the ongoing bramble, bindweed, and litter clearance by the gardening group.
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