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About the area:
The transformation of this site from public toilet to garden began in 2019. The garden was planted with pollinators in mind and is packed full of nectar-rich plants. We have added sparrow nest boxes on the walls. This is called the "Triangle" area because it is a triangle shape of land between the two main railway lines from Newport. The houses here were built for the railway workers who constructed the Great Western Railway between 1873 and 1886.
What you can spot here:
Lime Tree Leaves
Lime trees produce very sticky sweet sap. Take a look at the leaves and you will see it shining in patches. Why? Attracting flying insects for pollination? This is a great energy source for aphids. The aphids are then prey for birds and beetles.
Birch Tree Leaves
Birch Tree Leaves
Butterflies
Herbs
Mint plants have nectar rich flowers that are a brilliant food source for butterflies and bees. SO as well as being tasty for us they are good for nature too.
Insects
Sparrows, Pigeons & Pied Wagtail
Sparrows love nesting together in colonies and they really like the bushes for shelter outside the library. They are social birds who rely on each other for survival so these nest boxes are very popular. Sparrow numbers have declined in the last 20 years due to lack of habitat so the population here needs to be looked after.
Some fun activities to try:
Rub the leaves of some of the plants and see how many different plant smells you can collect here. Test your friends to see if they can identify them with their eyes shut?
Hug a tree - the circumference is directly related to the age of the tree.
Equation = Your height is very similar to your arm span. Join hands with your friends and stretch to encircle the tree trunk.
Age of tree = combined arm spans (cm) divided by 2
Exercises - Use the climbing wall. Can you be a spider?
Mainbee's Activity Book
We've made an activity pack with Mazes and Colouring In, download it here.
Mainbee's Activity Book