Making hay while sun shines
VOLUNTEERS from the Princes Trust turned out to help with the Meadow Project at Coronation Park, Ormskirk.
They joined West Lancashire Borough Council Parks and Countryside Ranger Service and members of the Friends of Coronation Park.
Management of the meadow is vital to help stimulate growth for the following year.
The team worked extremely hard clearing the meadow of hay after its autumn cut to help the seed bed for the following year.
They found it hard work but enjoyed the task – many said that it was saving them a visit to the gym.
The council has links with the Wildlife Trust, which has provided seeds from the Plan Bee project, and since the meadow has been cleared new wildflower seeds have been sown so that it will be full of beautiful blooms in the spring and summer.
This provides a food source for pollinators and a habitat for water voles.
In the past 75 years, 97% of meadows have been lost in Britain, so providing meadows in parks helps to conserve wildlife.
The Princes Trust runs a range of local training programmes through West Lancashire College and provides mentoring support and offer financial grants to build the confidence and motivation of disadvantaged young people.
Nationally each year the Princes Trust works with about 60,000 young people, with around 80% moving on to employment, education, training or volunteering.
Cllr Yvonne Gagen, portfolio holder for leisure, said: “The young volunteers have done a great job working with the rangers and the friends group, and I am sure they enjoyed the tasks they carried out.”
For more information on West Lancashire’s parks, visit www.westlancs.gov.uk/ leisure