Team Wilder story Warmley Myles and Jen

At Kingsway Park in Warmley, Myles has transformed a once-paved backyard into a blooming sanctuary for nature—while caring full-time for his mum, Jen.

“I’ve always been interested in wildlife,” Myles says, “but hearing how badly insects and nature are struggling made me want to do something.” A flyer from the Warmley Community Nature Reserve sparked that action—and with guidance from Avon Wildlife Trust, Myles and Jen began reimagining their garden.

Patio to pollinator paradise

The project started with pollinator-friendly plants, attracting hoverflies, bees, and butterflies. Next came a bold decision: remove the old wooden patio and replace it with a mini wildflower meadow. It brought joy—not just from its colour and beauty, but from watching the wildlife arrive and thrive.

When the meadow began to fade, Jen suggested a pond. Myles got to work, pulling up old flowers, reshaping the space, and carefully placing the pond where his mum could see it from her window. “Now we’ve got birds, bees, butterflies—and footprints from mammals too,” he says. “It’s lovely to listen to the water, and we’re glad we kept it fish-free for the wildlife.”

Building connections for nature

Bug hotels, bird feeders, hidden water trays, and a well-loved bird box gave Myles and Jen a reputation for attracting wildlife! They now support a whole network of neighbours within the Community Nature Reserve. “For two years it was empty—then this spring, bluetits moved in and raised chicks. It was amazing.”

Myles helped build a mini meadow near the Neptune statue, tended planters near the entrance, and shares his progress with neighbours. “People stop and comment. I’ll invite them over for a cup of tea to show them what we’ve done.”

Family, purpose and joy

Though Myles did the physical work, Jen co-designed the space. It’s now a family project—shared through WhatsApp with relatives abroad and enjoyed by visitors at home. “Doing this has made me feel accomplished and happy. But more than that—happy for my mum. She loves it. The colours, the smells, the wildlife.”

And it’s changed him too. “Now, if an insect lands while I’m watering, I stop. It has priority. I never would’ve thought that way before.”

At home in the garden

• Replaced a wooden patio with a wildflower meadow using grass and native wildflower seeds to attract pollinators.
• Planted a wide range of pollinator-friendly flowers, chosen for diversity and colour to support bees, hoverflies, and butterflies.
• Created a wildlife pond and positioned it for visibility and enjoyment.
  • Planted pond plants and wildflowers in and around the pond.
  • Installed bug hotels.
  • Added bird feeders to provide food sources year-round.
  • Put out trays of water for small animals, some discreetly hidden to protect from predators.
  • Installed a bird box.

Being part of the Community Nature Reserve

• Helped create and maintain a wildflower meadow near the Neptune Statue at Kingsway Park.
• Helped with planting and maintenance of a community planter near the estate entrance.
• Inspired neighbours and visitors, sharing progress, giving tours, and spreading awareness.
• Continues to receive and share advice, experience and wildlife sightings to encourage others, including nesting, insects and mammal footprints.

These actions show how small-scale, thoughtful changes can create a rich, welcoming space for wildlife, even in urban or paved environments—while also bringing joy and purpose to people. Myles’ small garden and big heart has made a huge difference to his connections with nature, his family, everyone's wellbeing and also for the local wildlife and Warmley community.