Commissioned by the Westbury Area Board, this project focused on shaping the design and creating maintenance schedules of 14 sites, with the aim of supporting connectivity for pollinators across Westbury, Edington, Bratton, and Dilton Marsh. Carried out through practical ecological improvements, community engagement, and sustainable land management guidance.
Nature Matters Contribution
Delivered by Josh while working as Wiltshire Wildlife Trust’s Wild Landscapes consultancy. The project combined ecological assessment, community consultation, and tailored management recommendations for each site. Follow-up engagement and volunteer workshops were also designed and led to ensure community ownership and continuity.
Key Outcomes
14 sites surveyed and assessed for pollinator potential, including churchyards, parks, verges, and village greens
Comprehensive wildlife maintenance schedules created, balancing ecological function and public use
Clear ecological rationale provided to support the creation of steppingstone habitats across the area
Workshops and presentations delivered to volunteer groups and managing partners to embed good practice
Community-facing signage and interpretation encouraged to build public understanding and support
The project was underpinned by a systems-ecology approach recognising that small, well-managed sites can form part of a wider habitat network (stepping stones) among the increasing fragmentation of UK habitats. A strong emphasis was placed on supporting wild pollinators (beyond honeybees), and embedding design features such as wild verges, meadows, scrub mosaics, and varied scrub and tree planting.
Community engagement was central to the project’s delivery. Engaging local councils, volunteer groups, and land managers helped ensure site-specific actions were realistic, affordable, and achievable. Guidance was also provided on volunteer group creation, risk assessment, funding opportunities, and how to link into wider conservation efforts.
While the project was delivered under Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, the methodology and tools developed now directly inform Nature Matters' ongoing work. The focus on habitat connectivity, ecological literacy, and practical community guidance continues to shape new landscape-scale and local projects.
