CHILDREN at Walwayne Court Primary School in Trowbridge are taking part in a nature challenge to encourage wild flowers and wildlife.

Nature charity Plantlife is asking all gardeners not to mow in May to allow plants to flower and help create enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators.

During lockdown, the school has encouraged the children and their families not to mow all or part of their own gardens to see what happens.

Acting head Sharon Turley said: ‘Before and since the lockdown, the children planted over 200 trees around the school, as well as creating a number of wildflower beds.

"It’s been a very busy time with all the watering but we are seeing a number of insects around the forest area, which is very rewarding for the children."

Dr Trevor Dines, of Plantlife, said: "If you are hammering your lawn every week then that really isn’t the best thing for wildlife.

"Getting comfortable with a bit of messiness is definitely the best way to go and the best ‘haircut’ for a lawn is a ‘mohican’ style – meaning some grass is left to grow long, but the rest is cut relatively short, having a trim once a month."The school in Brook Road, Trowbridge, has been supported by Trowbridge Environmental Group which donated trees and also provided advice and guidance on planting.