Latest news with #JamesBeck
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Tredegar House to be transformed into bumblebee sanctuary
Tredegar House in Newport is part of a new project by National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to protect declining bumblebee species, including the rare shrill carder bee (Bombus sylvarum). The estate, located on the Gwent Levels, is one of just five areas in Wales and England where the shrill carder bee still survives. Chris Flynn, head gardener at Tredegar House, said: "We are pleased to be working alongside the Bumblebee Conservation Trust on this important conservation project. "Bumblebees urgently need our help, and we want to ensure species such as the shrill carder can continue to thrive here at Tredegar House." Orchard Garden in Tredegar House, on the Gwent Levels, one of five areas in England and Wales where the rare shrill carder bee still survives (Image: James Beck) The work is part of the Natur am Byth programme, Wales' largest-ever species recovery initiative, funded by the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Planned habitat improvements will take place across 90 acres of gardens and parkland at Tredegar House, focusing on the creation of flower-rich meadows to support the shrill carder and other pollinators. Mr Flynn said: "Our aim is to enhance the diversity of plants in the garden, thoughtfully extending flowering periods throughout the year to provide crucial nectar sources from early spring through to late autumn. "We are carefully introducing nectar-rich grassland plants such as cowslip, crocus, snake's head fritillary, red clover, ivy, and bird's-foot trefoil. "We hope these subtle, yet significant changes continue to support and attract bumblebees and other pollinators, while also enriching the beauty and biodiversity of our gardens for everyone to enjoy." Other bumblebee species expected to benefit include the brown-banded carder bee and the more common garden bumblebee. To monitor the impact of the project, National Trust staff and volunteers have joined the Bumblebee Conservation Trust's BeeWalk scheme, a citizen science programme that collects monthly bumblebee sightings from March to October. Tom Bucher-Flynn, shrill carder bee project officer for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: "We're delighted to announce that National Trust Cymru and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust are teaming up at Tredegar House."
Scoop
5 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Youth Take Root: A Rocha Aotearoa Planting 1,500 Trees For World Vision 40 Hour Challenge
Press Release – World Vision A Rocha Aotearoa is undertaking a massive tree planting drive in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday, 14 June to seed more than 1,500 trees to support this year's World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. The Christian environmental organisation will gather Youth Groups from across the country to roll up their sleeves and plant native trees to raise funds to support the one in six children in the Pacific who face severe food insecurity due to climate change. James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says, ' By partnering with World Vision, we're giving young people an opportunity to plant hope – quite literally – by restoring native bush and improving biodiversity. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming – but small, local actions really do add up. This is about more than planting trees – it's about planting seeds of justice, hope, and resilience.' In Auckland, the teams of young people will gather to plant at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights to restore the ecological balance of the reserve, contributing to a healthier urban environment. They will have support from World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches. In Christchurch, youth will gather at South Shore Spit Reserve—an internationally significant ecological site—to help regenerate native vegetation and protect habitats for migratory birds. The project will be run in collaboration with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, Christchurch City Council, and forms part of A Rocha's Good News Project, which equips young people to care for creation as an expression of their faith. World Vision Associate National Director TJ Grant says the organisation values partnerships with organisations like A Rocha. He says through activities, like planting native trees and raising funds for communities affected by climate change, the partnership demonstrates that local action can have a global impact. It's a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. ' These tree planting events are a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. We know that climate change isn't just a distant issue—it's something we can respond to in our own communities and on behalf of our neighbours across the Pacific. Whether you're planting trees, taking on a personal 40 Hour Challenge, or donating, every action counts.' Youth groups interested in participating in either of the events can register online through A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit
Scoop
5 days ago
- General
- Scoop
Youth Take Root: A Rocha Aotearoa Planting 1,500 Trees For World Vision 40 Hour Challenge
A Rocha Aotearoa is undertaking a massive tree planting drive in Auckland and Christchurch on Saturday, 14 June to seed more than 1,500 trees to support this year's World Vision 40 Hour Challenge. The Christian environmental organisation will gather Youth Groups from across the country to roll up their sleeves and plant native trees to raise funds to support the one in six children in the Pacific who face severe food insecurity due to climate change. James Beck from A Rocha Aotearoa says, ' By partnering with World Vision, we're giving young people an opportunity to plant hope – quite literally – by restoring native bush and improving biodiversity. The climate crisis can feel overwhelming – but small, local actions really do add up. This is about more than planting trees – it's about planting seeds of justice, hope, and resilience.' In Auckland, the teams of young people will gather to plant at Unsworth Reserve in Unsworth Heights to restore the ecological balance of the reserve, contributing to a healthier urban environment. They will have support from World Vision, the Upper Waitematā Ecology Network, and local churches. In Christchurch, youth will gather at South Shore Spit Reserve—an internationally significant ecological site—to help regenerate native vegetation and protect habitats for migratory birds. The project will be run in collaboration with the Avon-Heathcote Estuary Ihutai Trust, Christchurch City Council, and forms part of A Rocha's Good News Project, which equips young people to care for creation as an expression of their faith. World Vision Associate National Director TJ Grant says the organisation values partnerships with organisations like A Rocha. He says through activities, like planting native trees and raising funds for communities affected by climate change, the partnership demonstrates that local action can have a global impact. It's a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. ' These tree planting events are a powerful example of hope, connection, and doing good—together. We know that climate change isn't just a distant issue—it's something we can respond to in our own communities and on behalf of our neighbours across the Pacific. Whether you're planting trees, taking on a personal 40 Hour Challenge, or donating, every action counts.' Youth groups interested in participating in either of the events can register online through A Rocha Aotearoa New Zealand. To learn more about the World Vision 40 Hour Challenge, visit
