Thornbury Town Council held a launch event for the Community Nature Reserve (CNR) on Saturday, 12 April 2025, at Turnberries. The event was facilitated by Danny Bonnett, Chair of the Town Council’s Climate and Nature Committee, who introduced the CNR, welcomed the guest speakers, and guided the programme throughout the afternoon.
The talks covered a variety of nature and wildlife topics. Alan Stealey, also from the Town Council, shared tips on garden ecology, including soil health and wildflowers. Daisy Finniear, from Frampton Cotterell Parish Council, spoke about local bat species and how to identify them. Tracey Boden, from Hedgehog Rescue Chipping Sodbury, focused on hedgehog conservation and how residents can help these creatures. Paul Golledge, from South Glos Owl and Bird of Prey Conservation, introduced attendees to local owls and other birds of prey, along with their habitats.
Following the sharing sessions, a Q&A session gave attendees the chance to ask questions and gain further insight into supporting local wildlife in their gardens and communities. There was particular interest in ways to help hedgehogs and plant wildflowers at home.
To encourage participants to enhance their spaces for nature, free wildflower seed packs were distributed, supporting efforts to boost biodiversity and help pollinators. The event also featured a lucky draw, with a bird box awarded as a prize – a welcome addition to any wildlife-friendly space.
Attendees enjoyed free refreshments and the opportunity to connect with others who share an interest in nature and conservation.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to the collaboration of local partners, including South Gloucestershire Council, Sustainable Thornbury, and Thornbury in Bloom, who helped promote the event. Thornbury in Bloom also kindly helped out with setting up on the day.
Thornbury Town Council extends its thanks to everyone who attended and supported the event and encourages anyone interested in the CNR or future conservation activities to get in touch.
For more information, including how to register your garden or window box for the CNR, please visit our Community Nature Reserve Page.
Photos from the event