Woolston group develops new wildflower meadow
NEW Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group, based around the abandoned former Mersey and Irwell navigation’s New Cut Canal, has begun its most ambitious project yet to create a new 30-hectare wildflower meadow.
The field on Paddington Meadows, an area of former cattle grazing land, is surrounded by a meander of the River Mersey, itself navigable until the New Cut opened in 1821.
Regular bird counts by the group’s ornithologists have witnessed more than 100 species of birds living on or visiting the meadows and by introducing native wildflower and grasses, attracting more moths, insects and bees in particular, birdlife will increase further.
Advised by and working in close liaison with Warrington Borough Council, the volunteer team began work in 2021 when areas of bramble and blackthorn were removed. Then in March 2022 a contractor was engaged to cut, bale and remove the grass, followed by light tilling and spraying to eradicate the grasses completely.
In April the wildflower seeds were spread. The wildflowers and native grasses will be on full display in the summer months, with the display being much admired and commented upon by the many visitors to the meadows. The work has been financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund, which funded the Carbon Landscape project, and will be maintained in the future by New Cut Heritage and Ecology Trail Group volunteers.
This project is a wonderful example of co-operation between a volunteer group and local authority using National Lottery Heritage Funding which will deliver a real benefit for the local wildlife and give joy to people using the footpaths.