A BRAND new conservation group in Yate has begun work to encourage wildlife in the Shire Way area of town - and members have big plans for the future.

At their first meeting on Tuesday evening, Shire Way Conservation volunteers came up with a wide range of ideas to nurture nature in the area, including a wild life walk event and a new Eco Garden. 

"We have lots of potential projects, all aimed at supporting and promoting wildlife in our area," said acting Chair Clare Woodman.

"We've already made a good start with practical work carried out on our 'Eco Garden' at the Top Shop on Shire Way. 

“We are also maintaining 'verge' bird feeders and have started to record wildlife we see along Shire Way and in the area nearby."

The newly-formed group have now planned their first public event, ‘Walk and Watch – Wildlife on our Doorsteps’, which will take place on Saturday, June 10 at 7pm, starting from the Top Shop on Shire Way.

 The family friendly walk will give residents the opportunity to see wildlife around Shire Way, with the possibility of bat, owl and fox sightings.

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, who has been advising the group, said: "It's good to see this new Conservation Group starting off so well.

“I'm hoping that they will be able to attract more members from roads around Shire Way and Rodford Way, and then start applying for funding so that they can take on more ambitious projects."

The next group meeting will be on Tuesday, June 20 at Shire Way Community Centre, starting at 7 pm.

The group have their own Facebook page, which can be found here.