A vibrant community initiative has taken root in Ellesmere Port, where residents joined forces with major organisations to plant thousands of spring bulbs across the Stanney estate.
A Community in Bloom
The volunteer-led group Friends of Stanney coordinated the mass planting of 5,000 bulbs, including bluebells, daffodils, snowdrops, and crocuses. This collaborative effort promises to transform the neighbourhood with a spectacular burst of colour by early next year.
Participants included representatives from The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Chester Zoo, Cheshire West and Chester Council, and Brio Leisure. Housing association ForHousing also lent its support, alongside MP Justin Madders and local councillor John Stockton.
Educational Roots and Green Gyms
The project had a strong educational element, with pupils from St Bernard's RC Primary and Nursery School enthusiastically joining the planting. Paula Blair, chair and co-founder of Friends of Stanney, expressed her gratitude to everyone involved.
She highlighted the dual benefit of the project, noting that "By January and February people will start to see what's been growing and Chester Zoo says this will also improve the habitat for the butterflies and bugs."
Beyond the bulb planting, the group has launched a Green Gym in collaboration with Neil McMahon from TCV. This initiative provides residents with ongoing opportunities to participate in environmental projects that support both the local ecosystem and community wellbeing.
Looking to the Future
The Friends of Stanney group is keen to welcome more participants. They emphasise that involvement doesn't always require physical work and host family-friendly events, including an upcoming Christmas lantern walk on Friday, December 19.
Local councillor John Stockton praised the organisers, calling them "the driving force behind these positive activities." MP Justin Madders echoed this sentiment, encouraging other residents to join this "friendly bunch doing really great work."
For those interested in getting involved, further details are available on the Friends of Stanney Facebook group or via email at friendsofstanney@outlook.com.
