The Bourne Conservation Group (BCG) took the opportunity of its involvement in the judging for this year’s ‘in Bloom’ competition earlier this month to launch a technical innovation that it hopes will be of “lasting benefit” for visitors to sites managed by the group.

The South and South East in Bloom judges arrived at Middle Bourne Lane community garden on time on July 10, but departed slightly later than their timetable allowed because, as usual, they were fascinated by Martin Angel’s moths trapped the night before (pictured).

The garden was looking as good as could be expected in this spell of dry weather and a good impression was given by BCG’s team.

However, also of interest to the judges, was the information signs recently been placed in BCG’s key sites - which as well as containing numerous facts about each site, also boast ‘QR codes’ enabling anyone with a smartphone to access a mine of additional information.

One of the BCG’s youngest members, Thomas Hill, has been the innovator responsible and he demonstrated the QR codes excellently. Thomas has done a great job updating the BCG website in his GCSE year.

In addition to the moth display, the judges liked the pond and saw the dragon fly shucks on the reeds. The judges appeared very impressed by the number of different wildlife habitats incorporated into this small site of only a third of an acre.

At the Lower Bourne crossroads the judges were able to see the brand new sign there with its QR code.

BCG once again acquitted itself extremely well, thereby doing its bit for the town.

Chairman Noel Moss said: “We are very grateful to everyone who has contributed to the upkeep of the sites throughout the last 12 months and especially to those who have been working hard in recent weeks to keep the plants alive with regular watering.”

The Bourne Conservation Group is a group of volunteers, who share a concern for the environment and a desire to contribute to keeping the area attractive.

Founded in 2002, the group assists in the maintenance and improvement of local open spaces and rights-of-way for the benefit of both residents and wildlife.

In 2016, the group’s Middle Bourne Lane community garden was highlighted during BBC Autumnwatch’s coverage of the RHS Britain in Bloom awards, and put forward for the RHS’s inaugural Conservation and Wildlife Award in association with BBC Springwatch’s ‘Do Something Great campaign’.

BCG always welcomes new members. Email [email protected] for more information.