LOCAL charity, Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) will launch the Cirencester Wildlife Group on Thursday, July 7 and is inviting people to join the at the town’s Abbey Grounds to show their support for conservation projects, meet like-minded people, and learn more about Cirencester’s green spaces and its wildlife.

Cirencester is currently undergoing somewhat of a transformation, but hiding amongst all the building work there are seven beautifully decorated larger-than-life hares, situated around the perimeter of the town.

These imaginatively decorated works of art are the figureheads of the Hare Festival Way, a nature trail which follows the river Churn and links together some of Cirencester’s green spaces.

This project has been made possible by the hard work of local residents.

Fund raising for the Hare Festival Way started in the summer of 2014, when many local residents were gripped by hare fever.

In the same year the hare auction raised over £100,000 which was used to construct the 1.5 mile Hare Festival Way, which was launched in March 2016 in partnership with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust (GWT) and Cirencester Town Council (CTC).

City Bank is one of many of Cirencester’s beautiful green spaces, most of which are cared for by a small army of willing volunteers.

During Love Parks Week, at the end of July, residents of Cirencester will have an opportunity to visit these sites, take part in some outdoor activities, meet volunteers and glimpse some of their fantastic work.

Four schools in Cirencester are also currently involved in a three year long UK-wide Polli:Nation program, aiming to transform their outdoor spaces into pollinator-friendly habitats.

Initiatives like these, and the people who support them, are helping to make the town more attractive for local residents and wildlife.

If you’re involved in similar activities and have your own stories to tell, whether you’re gardening for wildlife, volunteering for a conservation charity, conducting a wildlife survey or just feeding the birds, Cirencester Wildlife Group would love to meet you.

  • If you’re interested in becoming a part of this exciting new Cirencester Wildlife Group join GWT, local residents and wildlife enthusiasts on Thursday, July 7 in the Abbey Grounds from 5.30-7:30pm.
  • Membership of the Trust costs from just £2.50 a month. Join online at gloucestershirewidlifetrust.co.uk or visit the Trust’s Conservation Centre at Robinswood Hill Country Park, Gloucester.