Sowing the seeds of a colourful future
Volunteers scatter wildflower seeds in Victoria Park project
VOLUNTEERS young and old gathered to help plant wildflower seeds in Newbury on Saturday, March 20.
After picking up their bag of preprepared seeds, the green-fingered group were all smiles as they did their bit to create the new wildflower meadow for Victoria Park, which will run along the bank adjacent to Park Way.
Newbury Town Council, which is responsible for the management of the park, said the wildflower meadow would “add to the biodiversity in this beautiful green space in the centre of town”.
Wildflowers and flowering plants, as well as improving the look of the town, attract a number of insects and other invertebrates, including butterflies, bees, spiders, millipedes, birds and mammals.
Chairman of the town council’s Green Spaces Working Group Jon Gage said: “We planted a very successful wildflower meadow at City Recreation Ground last year.
“It looked beautiful throughout the summer, as well as creating a haven for bees and other insects.
“Wildflowers should help to attract beneficial insects into the area that feed on the wildflowers and make their home in them.
“In turn these insects help to fertilise our crops to grow produce for us to eat and the insects are food for other wildlife.”
Nicola Cook, from Hungerford, who stopped to take a look at the planting in progress with her daughter Ruby, aged 14, said: “It is a nice thing to do for the community.
“It brings new life to the town after Covid.”
In total, around 100 people – including Newbury mayor Elizabeth O’Keeffe – turned up to plant seeds between 10am and 2pm.
No more than 10 people were allowed to plant seeds at any one time and the town council’s parks and open space officer James Heasman was there to ensure everyone was following social distancing guidelines.
A one-way system was in place to ensure everyone was kept safe.