Biodiversity Plot
Dunblane Allotment Group (DAG) has always taken a keen and very active interest in wildlife conservation and enhancing biodiversity. DAG was formed almost 20 years ago to work to re-open the derelict allotment site at the Laighhills, which had fallen into disuse in the early 1980's. The area we work is some 60,000 square metres and currently houses 56 plots of varying size, with membership open to anyone in Dunblane. Plot holders must cultivate their allotment for fruit, flowers and vegetables according to the principles of environmentally friendly gardening. By environmentally friendly we mean that no artificial, chemically based fertilisers, herbicides or pesticides may be used; and methods of pest control must be approved by the Committee.
In recent years, plot holders have put up a number of bird boxes and bat boxes, as well as creating a wildlife pond and a dedicated biodiversity area. This is a sloped area towards the centre of the allotment site which has been planted with many, varied herbaceous perennial plants such as centurea, digitalis, lupin and symphytum (comfrey). The aim is to attract a variety of native species and also to provide a long season of nectar to help feed the bees on the allotment which in turn help pollinate our plants and those plants adjacent to our site. In addition to a number of bumble bee species we also regularly see dragonflies and butterflies, hedgehogs, toads, frogs, newts and bats on the site.
In recent years, plot holders have put up a number of bird boxes and bat boxes, as well as creating a wildlife pond and a dedicated biodiversity area. This is a sloped area towards the centre of the allotment site which has been planted with many, varied herbaceous perennial plants such as centurea, digitalis, lupin and symphytum (comfrey). The aim is to attract a variety of native species and also to provide a long season of nectar to help feed the bees on the allotment which in turn help pollinate our plants and those plants adjacent to our site. In addition to a number of bumble bee species we also regularly see dragonflies and butterflies, hedgehogs, toads, frogs, newts and bats on the site.
As mentioned above, the sloped area towards the centre of the allotment site has been planted with many, varied herbaceous perennial plants such as centurea, digitalis, lupin and symphytum (comfrey). The aim is to provide a long season of nectar to help feed the bees on the allotment which in turn help pollinate our plants. THANKS GO TO THOSE WHO VOLUNTEER TO TEND THESE AREAS And, if you need a rest, take a walk to the bench adjacent to the apple tree. |