AN ENVIRONMENTAL campaign to return wildlife to our gardens was the topic of discussion at a special meeting in Chipping Sodbury last Thursday.

More than 50 residents attended the consultation event at Waitrose to find out more about the BLUE campaign, which aims to promote biodiversity by encouraging residents to “do less” and let part of their gardens grow wild – displaying the blue heart logo to show their support.

“There was a very positive atmosphere at the meeting,” the campaign’s founder, Badminton-based wildlife film maker Fergus Beely told the Gazette. “It was very encouraging to see everyone there so keen to discover new practical ways to help.

“Lots of people seemed very excited by the prospect of getting BLUE off the ground and the different areas to cover.”

Mr Beely said that he had chosen to pilot BLUE in Chipping Sodbury and the surrounding area because the town has “a strong foundation to build on”, having already demonstrated its interest in nature.

He said: “So much is already done by groups like Sodbury in Bloom and Waitrose, with more and more people showing an interest.

“There is already an overwhelming appreciation of nature in the area so the campaign isn’t starting from scratch.”

It is hoped that the campaign, which was launched in response to worrying conclusions presented by a report last September of the future of biodiversity in Britain, will be taken to a national level by 2019.

Dozens of gardens across Chipping Sodbury, Acton Turville, Hawkesbury Upton and Badminton already have the BLUE heart on display.

BLUE is already working with Sodbury Town Council and South Gloucestershire Council to re-wild some areas of grass road, and with the Wild Trout Trust and Bristol and Avon Rivers Trust to restore the lost biodiversity of the River Frome where it runs through Chipping Sodbury.

“Through the campaign, we are trying to show that you sadly cannot have the best of both worlds,” said Fergus.

“You cannot have your garden pristinely manicured while also populating it with beautiful butterflies and songbirds – but by giving up a portion to encourage biodiversity, you can still make a difference.”

For more information on the BLUE campaign, visit www.bluecampaignhub.com, search for @bluecampaignhub on Facebook or tweet @blue_campaign1.