Town and County Councils Partner to Bring Wildflowers to Ashington Green Spaces
Ashington Town Council is partnering with Northumberland County Council to transform several grassy areas into vibrant wildflower havens around town.
Working closely together, with the County Council as landowners, several sites were suggested by the Council’s Climate Change Committee, and supported by Northumberland County Council for wildflower planting makeovers:
- People's Park - Around the trees opposite Wansbeck Road
- River Wansbeck - The grassy area between Wansbeck Riverside Park and the bridge
- Paddock Wood - The grassy area between the woodland and field, and the area next to the Community Centre
The Council is taking a phased approach, starting with these smaller areas first to gauge success before potentially expanding wildflower planting efforts. Establishing the spaces takes careful preparation, so seeing how they flourish will inform best practices moving forward.
"We're excited to add splashes of colour and biodiversity benefits with this wildflower planting initiative," said Cllr Sophie Robinson, Chair of the Climate Change Committee. "It's our first step, and we'd like to do much more in the future - like the beautiful swathes of bulbs planted around the town."
The planting sites were carefully selected based on suggestions from Town Councillors and thorough consultation with the County Council as landowners. The wildflower areas are expected to bloom into colourful natural gardens from late spring through summer, providing food sources for bees, butterflies, and other vital pollinators.
Residents are asked to respect these areas and allow nature to take its course as the wildflowers establish themselves over the coming weeks and months. A little patience will be required as these natural spaces take shape. The Council is installing signage to remind residents and visitors that this work is ongoing.
Residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the wildflower areas and report any wildlife sightings to us. Seeing bees, butterflies and other pollinators thriving will let the community know their wildflower efforts are blossoming!
