RIVER OF FLOWERS

River of Flowers

Some of you may already be familiar with the concept of a River of Flowers, which is an idea that has been accepted by Colwich Parish Council as a way of implementing some of the objectives identified in the emerging Green Infrastructure Plan (GIP), of which more in later editions of The Newsletter.

Once adopted, the G.I.P. will represent the Where? and the Why? we should be putting our energies into enhancing the bio-diversity opportunities of the built-up areas within these parishes.  The How? will however need to be something highly visible, beautiful and therefore likely to capture the public’s attention, interest and imagination if we are to be successful in engaging people’s help in meeting our objectives.  ......... 

...... To this end, the Parish Council is committed to supporting the creation of a River of Flowers as a way of linking the villages by providing pollination opportunities for bees and other insects by planting up banks, verges and even areas of hardstanding with the use of substantive tubs and troughs, which would be planted up with native, perennial species.  The intention would be to make this the start of a long-term project that might lead on to more ambitious plans for a wildlife meadow and a substantial community orchard.  We would hope to work alongside those already actively committed to enhancing the built environment through a shared vision of the future environmental needs of these villages. 

We will be restricting our activities to those areas for which we have licences to plant and whilst being careful not to disturb those areas already planted, we will be concentrating firstly on areas of grass adjacent to entrances to The Haywoods from the A51, The Butts, the area of grass opposite the Spar shop and the area immediately surrounding the Parish Centre.  We are looking to begin planting species crocus and wild daffodils in October/November, followed by snow drops and blue bells ‘in the green’ the following Spring.  Once established, this type of planting will create late Winter/early Spring pollinators at a time of year when little else is in flower and will provide a vital lifeline to early bees. Such newly planted areas will not only look stunning, but will provide a tangible and highly visible example of a green corridor within the built environment. .....

..... Part of our ‘vision’ is that as well as enhancing our immediate environment it is hoped that through a process of public engagement and education that will be necessary to turn this into a viable project, we can ensure that the next generation will have a better understanding of the simple but strategic steps that we should all be taking to prevent the further degradation of our shared environment.
Please look out over the coming months for information and opportunities for volunteering with the first tranche of planting.

A big thank you to those folks who were able to come to the first bee friendly planting session (see below),

which enabled us to plant in the region of 10,000 Narcissus Lobularis (wild daffodils) on the verge outside Shenley Cottage on The Butts.  These will be followed by snow drops and blue bells to be planted ‘in the green’ in the Spring.

It was brilliant to work with people sufficiently concerned about bio-diversity to give up their time and energy.

A further three panting sessions are planned before Christmas.  It is, I know, a busy time of year but what better way to make room for all that festive food whilst providing much needed early pollination opportunities for wildlife.

We will be concentrating on planting pollen rich species cocus [Crocus tommasinarious Ruby Giant; Crocus biflorus Miss Vain (pure white); Crocus chrysanthus Prins Claus (white with purple outer petals) and Crocus chrysanthus Romance (yellow)].   

For further information you can also visit: 
RHS Plants for Pollinators rhs.org.uk/plantsforpollinators