In Bloom volunteers go bats to help nature thrive

Lytham In Bloom volunteers, from left: treasurer David Kerr, Tony Ashton and committee members Margaret Ashton and Peter Harris

Along with planting more than 2,000 native wild flowers and 100 native saplings, the Lytham In Bloom team has erected 45 bat and bird nest boxes in Sparrow Park and Robin Park on Ballam Road as well as Lowther Gardens on West Beach to help preserve and encourage wildlife.

Lytham In Bloom chairman Carol Wildon said: “It’s all part of our objective to enhance Lytham wherever and whenever possible.”

Committee member Peter Harris said the group had been working closely with the Bat Conservation Trust, the Woodland Trust, Plantlife and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, as well as Fylde Council and the Lowther Trust.

He said: “We knew that Pipistrelle bats frequented all three parks.

“Bats are a protected species and are very cautious by nature.

“The boxes we gave erected may be occupied quickly, but it could just as easily take years. Bats are very sociable creatures and as many as 50 at a time can occupy one box.”

Peter added that the bird boxes are for a wide variety of species attracted to the area.

The tree saplings planted will also boost wildlife by providing flowers for bees and then either fruit or nuts for birds and small mammals.

Lytham, the Royal Horticultural Society’s national champion of champions five years ago, is bidding to retain gold this year in the small resort category of the North West In Bloom competition.