Four new wildflower plots are being created in a Bootle park after local people had their say as part of a community research programme into nature in the area. Wildflower meadows proved to be the most popular environmental improvement suggested by residents when questioned by the team of researchers putting together the Nature in Linacre report. As a result, and with financial support from the National Lottery Community Fund, the four new plots are being developed in Poets Park, located in an area of streets named after some of the country's great verse writers.
Work has already begun on the new sites, with Green Sefton preparing the plots using a mechanical stone burier. Taking Root community gardening volunteers then took the lead on wildflower seed sowing. They were joined by other volunteers from the People First Merseyside learning disability charity and pupils from two local schools: Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Primary and All Saints Catholic Primary.
Following on from the existing daffodils and cherry blossom trees, the aim is that the new plots will help to make the park a riot of colour from early spring to the end of summer. Ruth Livesey from social enterprise Regenerus, which manages Taking Root in Bootle, said: “Many hands definitely do make light work and this was certainly true at our planting event. Everyone had a wonderful day in the sunshine and now we’re all looking forward to seeing the fruits of our labours later in the year.”
“The new plots also demonstrate the value of the Nature in Linacre report which collected people’s perspectives of the existing green facilities in the area and presented their ideas for what more can be done, meaning our community has shaped the plan for environmental improvements going forward,” added Ruth.
Bootle’s wildflower meadow trail is growing, and it’s possible to explore the mosaic of wildflower plots across 13 different sites. You can find out more and follow the map online. The project is located in Bootle, Metropolitan Borough of Sefton.
