Thousands of wildflowers planted by volunteers

Yahoo

16-03-2025

Thousands of wildflowers have been planted by volunteers to encourage pollinator populations.
Over the past year, groups have been at sites across Eden in Cumbria including Fairhill Recreation Ground in Alston, Carleton Park in Penrith, Otteriggs Field in Salkeld Dykes and Edensyde in Kirkby Stephen.
Eight thousand wildflower plugs were planted, along with wildflower seeds, Westmorland and Furness Council said.
Phil Howarth, a grass cutter who volunteered at one of the sowing and planting days, said it was a "big achievement" and "everyone pitched in and we all got our hands dirty".
The work was part of Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Planting for Pollinators project.
Mr Howarth, who took part in the Edensyde event, said: "Luckily the rain held off, it was a nice day so that's always a bonus.
"People who have volunteered can walk through there and say, 'You know what, I contributed to that'.
"What's a greater feeling than that?"
About 80 volunteers took part in the planting days across the year, including youth groups.
Councillor Lorna Baker said it was "heartwarming" to see so many from the community come together.
The local authority said the project represented a "significant step towards reversing the decline of Cumbria's pollinators".
The council's Eden Locality Board provided an initial £20,000 to the project last year.
At a meeting on 5 March, a further £11,900 was allocated.
Mr Howarth said people should see the flowers in bloom in the next couple of years.
"We're just hoping and praying for warmer temperatures to kick start it all off."
Charlotte Rankin from Cumbria Wildlife Trust said: "Local actions can really make a big difference to pollinators."
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Westmorland & Furness Council
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