WILDFLOWER BANK FOR VICTORIA PARK
Following the success of the wildflower meadow, which was planted at City Recreation Ground last year, a new wildflower area is being proposed for Victoria Park. The design will incorporate a wildflower strip along the bank that runs adjacent to Park Way.
Victoria Park has been awarded Green Flag status for the last two years and the wildflower area will add to the biodiversity in this beautiful green space in the centre of town but will not impact on the existing facilities in the Park.
The wildflowers and flowering plants give a number of benefits including:
- Plant diversity attracts insects and other invertebrates (including butterflies, bees, spiders and millipedes), birds and mammals
- Flowering species add a changing palate of colour to the urban environment throughout the seasons
Cllr John Gage, Chair of the Green Spaces Working Group, said, “We planted a very successful wildflower meadow at City Recreation Ground last year. It looked beautiful throughout the summer as well as creating a haven for bees and other insects”.
He added, “Wildflowers should help to attract beneficial insects into the area that feed on the wildflowers and make their home in them. In turn these insects help to fertilise our crops to grow produce for us to eat and the insects are food for other wildlife.
By planting this area, we hope to see more butterflies, bumblebees and other insects”.
The seeding is proposed for March 2021 and we would welcome any feedback with regards to the plans.
You can email james.heasman@newbury.gov.uk or write to the Town Hall, Market Place, RG14 5AA
Contacts:
David Ingram, Community Services Manager David.Ingram@newbury.gov.uk 01635 780208
Cllr Jon Gage, Chair Green Spaces Working Group jon.gage@newbury.gov.uk
Cllr Martin Colston, Leader of the Council Martin.Colston@newbury.gov.uk 01635 36591
