Volunteers keeping the county looking at its best
With spectacular natural landscapes, picturesque villages and vibrant market towns, North Yorkshire has an enviable identity as an attractive place to live, work and visit.
Many are rightly proud to call the county home, and some residents give up their time to make sure the county is always looking at its best.
We are fortunate to have a thriving and committed network of volunteers, with those involved making a real difference to thousands of people, and this month we are recognising those helping to keep North Yorkshire looking beautiful.
As well as the tireless efforts of volunteer litter-pickers, that civic pride is also seen as spring flowers begin to bloom and are enjoyed by the countless visitors helping to grow our visitor economy.
Green-fingered Grace Coop loves nothing better than making sure Starbeck is looking its best for local communities. Having moved to the village 12 years ago, she is a member of the award-winning Starbeck in Bloom group and is passionate about improving community spaces.
Mrs Coop and 22 volunteers are involved in litter picking, planting, weeding and fundraising to keep Starbeck looking clean and tidy. Their hard work paid off last year when they were awarded gold in Yorkshire in Bloom’s urban community category.
In the run-up to competitions and judging days, volunteers wash the street furniture such as the benches and rubbish bins along with working on any other areas that need attention.
Mrs Coop said: “Over the years. I have been involved in many litter picks. We often collect six to seven bags of rubbish, covering the whole of Starbeck, including the Northern Rail station and Starbeck Library’s garden.
“We plant bulbs and perennials where they are needed, plant the containers with annuals and keep them watered and deadheaded, prune the shrubs, and litter pick when necessary.
“I enjoy being out in the fresh air doing a worthwhile task, looking back and seeing an area we’ve cleared of weeds or rubbish or seeing the colourful flowering areas I have helped to make.
“We know that the people who live in Starbeck appreciate what we do - they often stop and tell us so. Most of all, I enjoy the friendship of the others in the group.”
More information is available at www.starbeckinbloom.co.uk