AN open gardens event was a wild success after hundreds of pounds were raised for a climate action group.

Seven “wild gardens” were opened to the public in Lawford by Practical Actions for Climate and the Environment (Pace) in an effort to show how people can play their part in supporting wildlife.

The aim of the open day was to show practical actions people in the village can take in their own gardens.

The seven gardens included a range of ideas such as wildflowers for pollinators, bird and bat boxes, beehives and vegetable growing without pesticides.

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Bug hotels, which encourage the ecosystem, were also suggested to the more than 200 people who visited the event, which took place at gardens in School Lane, Wignall Street, Bromley Road and Grange Road.

In total, more than £860 was raised for the charitable activities of Pace.

John Hall, a member of the group, said: “It was great to see so many people of all ages, including many young families, exploring the gardens and chatting with the owners and volunteers about what they could do.

“Wildlife is under great pressure in our county and our natural environment is becoming degraded.

“Everyone can help in their own garden no matter how small or large.

“There are more than 600,000 gardens in Essex and more than 40,000 of these are in Tendring – this adds up to a large area of habitat.

“We can all take some actions to improve this garden habitat for wildlife and help look after many of our common species as well as a few rarities like stag beetles, bumblebees, hedgehogs, frogs, and bats – these used to be common but they are no longer. “Most of us understand there is a problem and this open day gave people some practical solutions that work.

“PACE is grateful to the garden owners and is appreciative of the amazing donations received which will support future events such as the tree planting it is taking on later this year.”