Inspirational talk in the village hall
Over 40 people learnt valuable lessons from Melanie Oxley’s talk in March 2023.
The talk described effects of climate change and other human impacts on the natural world; explained why our gardens are important for climate change resilience and for biodiversity; and helped everyone build resilience into the way we look after our gardens.
Amongst Melanie’s top tips were to aim for a garden that has: a good area of perennial plants and shrubs; a diverse range of native and non-native pollinator-friendly plants to give nectar every month of the year; climbers, including ivy, trailing along fences and walls; and at least one native tree. She also encouraged everyone to leave their lawn uncut all summer apart from a mowed pathway.
Melanie was full of praise for the work that the Parish Council and families are doing in Buriton – including awards from Hampshire County Council, HBIC and the South Downs National Park Authority in connection with pollinators, trees, bees, swifts and more.
Melanie is a local ecologist and campaigner for wildlife who also has a love of gardening. She is a founder member of Plantlife (the wild plant conservation charity) and a ‘Wilder Garden Champion’ with the Hampshire Wildlife Trust, providing advice and support to people interested in improving their gardens for wildlife.
A copy of Melanie’s complete presentation can be viewed at the foot of this web-page.
