19/02/2025
Did you know Wimbledon repurposes used tennis balls into tiny, waterproof homes for field mice? 🐭🏡 With 55,000 balls used annually, many are sold for charity, while others are donated to conservation clubs across the UK. Modified with a small hole and mounted on poles, these balls provide safe nesting spots away from predators like birds of prey and weasels.
But why does this matter? Field mice play a crucial role in ecosystems—they help disperse seeds, aerate soil, and control insect populations. 🌿🐜 However, habitat loss due to farming and urbanization threatens their survival. By turning old tennis balls into shelters, Wimbledon is reducing waste, supporting biodiversity, and showing how simple ideas can make a big impact! 🌍💚