Where funding can be obtained, a simple and effective way of involving the community in ‘greening’ their local area is to offer free shrubs for families to plant in their gardens or school grounds. Choose species that are easy to grow and not too big, suitable for the soil and location, and beneficial to wildlife. Include advice on planting and care.
Dudley, West Midlands
In Dudley, West Midlands, each family that had a child attending one of five primary schools in the area were able to apply for a free shrub. The family gave basic information on the size of their gardens so that suitable species could be allocated.
Shrubs offered included buddleia, pyracantha, cotoneaster, honeysuckle, dogwood and guelder rose, which are easy to grow, attractive and benefit wildlife. An information chart was given out with each shrub, giving details on where and how to plant, together with space for monthly observations on rate of growth, leaf shape or colour, wildlife and so on.
