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WW2 bunker transformed to help wildlife

News imageBrookfield Allotment A World War Two bunker with a wildflower meadow growing on the roof.Brookfield Allotment
The shelter sits on the edge of a 45-plot allotment in Trafford

An air raid shelter that once protected families from bombs during World War Two has been turned into a haven for wildlife including birds, insects and hedgehogs.

Plot holders at Brookfield Allotment have planted a wildflower garden on the roof of the bunker and installed shelters and drinking stations for insects and animals beside it.

Work at the site in Urmston, Greater Manchester, has been made possible with the help of local businesses.

"It's been absolutely thriving with wildlife, said Lisa Smith, allotment treasurer. "We've even had a fox up there. It's just been such an incredible achievement to create this."

News imagePlot holders Ann, Lisa, Mick and Catharine standing together in Brookfield Allotment on a grass path in front of flowers and shrubs.
Ann, Lisa, Mick and Catharine said the work has been a team effort

Smith added: "Since World War Two, pollinators have been under threat due to the loss of 97 per cent of wildflower meadows in the UK, so we thought we really need to try and rectify that."

Mick Heery, chairman of Brookfield Allotment, told BBC Radio Manchester sustainability also plays an important role in their work.

"The old pallets you can see against the wall, we use those as planters. We've used logs for the edging.

He said: "Whatever we can reuse, we'll reuse. That's our ethos on the whole site."

News imageBrookfield Allotment Wooden pallets and a bench line the bunker, with logs and drinking stations placed for birds and insects placed in front.Brookfield Allotment
Recycled jars are used in the drinking stations for birds and insects to rest on

The group has also planted verbena, foxgloves, strawberries, sunflowers, geraniums, and sweet peas outside the bunker.

Plot holder Catharine Braithwaite said the shelter is an important part of the heritage of the area and the rest of the country.

She said their work won't stop there, with more plans to help the allotment adapt to the impact of climate change.

"We've got nearly £2,000 from the National Lottery to do a bog garden, more wildlife habitat and water harvesting, so it's really amazing to get that money."

News imageBrookfield Allotment Close up of the roof of the bunker, with tall pink, yellow, white and purple flowers.Brookfield Allotment
Plot holders say passers by complimented the bright colours of the wildflowers

Trafford Council praised the allotment group for their work, describing it as "inspirational."

Keleigh Glenton, who's responsible for allotments in the borough, said she would like to see similar projects across Trafford.

"Part of our Allotment Strategy includes engaging more people with allotments. We know allotments are amazing for people's mental health and wellbeing.

She added: "It's not just good for people, it's good for the place too in terms of biodiversity."