Overton Wildlife Project

1884. Katie Piercy

Katie’s project is designed to not only help wildlife and create a biodiverse haven in the village, but to help refugees and their families get involved with their new community, and provide a space for people to come together. As well as creating the wildflower meadow, Katie and volunteers have cleared neighbouring woodland of invasive Himalayan Balsam and installed owl boxes to help sustain local wildlife. The project, which is supported with funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, also runs educational tours for local children and a recycling scheme collecting items that cannot be recycled kerbside.

In a personal letter to Katie, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:

“With the support of your army of volunteers, you have planted an astonishing 5,000 bulbs and reintroduced dozens of wildflowers to your local area. You are creating a beautiful community wildlife meadow that promotes sustainability and gives those volunteering with you a sense of pride in their incredible work and home.”

Simon Baynes, Katie’s local MP for Clwyd South, said:

“I am delighted that Katie Piercy has been awarded a Point of Light by the Prime Minister in recognition of her amazing work with the Overton Wildlife Project which has done so much for not only the environment but also the community in and around Overton-on-Dee. We are all very proud of Katie’s achievement and wish her and her colleagues in the Overton Wildlife Group all the very best for the future.”

Katie said:

“It is incredibly flattering to have been nominated for this award, but I could never have achieved anything without all the other people working alongside me. So a big thank you to the people from the refugee community and local people who volunteered their time, and of course the other members of the Overton Community Growers.”