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| We are informed that ‘The level of muckiness is down
to the method used for shifting the turf (using arms/hands or the fork).” |
Work has started to create a bee-friendly ‘meadow’ on a Lancaster roundabout.
Hard-working volunteers from Incredible Edible Lancaster (pictured) have stripped the turf on Lancaster’s Pointer Roundabout to prepare for seeding.
The work is being done by Incredible Edible Lancaster to create a pollinator-friendly annual ‘pictorial meadow’, replacing the more traditional bedding plant display. They’re working with Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council on the project.
The roundabout on the A6, south of the city centre near the Royal Lancaster Infirmary, will be in full bloom by late June / early July.
Working with the Friends of Greaves Park, on the public green recreation area neighbouring the roundabout, volunteers will also create a ‘mini meadow’ to enhance the park for wildlife with pollinator-friendly meadows.
Their next workparty will be on Friday 25th April from 2 – 4pm at Greaves Park. They tell us:
“We have prepared the ground for the planting of mini-meadows for pollinators at the Pointer roundabout and at Greaves Park – now we will finally sow the wildflower seeds for a wonderful display and a great supply of nectar in the summer! We will lightly hoe over the ground and then broadcast the seed, so if you’d like to be part of this fab project, come and join us, we’d love to see you there! Meet at Greaves Park playground (at the corner of the park nearest to the roundabout) at 2pm.”
Viv White from Incredible Edible Lancaster said: “We’re really pleased to be working with our local councils to enhance the environment for people and wildlife – pollinators are essential for food production and we are very happy to be doing our bit to improve local food security.
“Estimates suggest that about a third of our food only grows because bees pollinate those crop plants, so it’s important that we do all that we can to help bees and other pollinators.”
Last year volunteers planted 5,000 crocus bulbs on Pointer Roundabout, which are now in full bloom, providing a colourful early season display and a nectar source for bees and other pollinators.
The Incredibles will also be having a get together in the Nice Cafe/Bar at the Storey in Lancaster this Saturday 12 April from 2 – 4pm, for a social and to show and tell about all their natural food resilience projects. They have come a very long way in the last couple of years and now have a dozen projects on the go, including community gardens and orchards, forage walks and the forthcoming seed library.
They’re also interested in hearing about about any new projects that people would like to start.
For more details about the project visit www.incredible-edible-lancaster.org.uk