Winter Maintenance Update: Embracing Sustainable Planting in Our Town
As we move through the winter months, we wanted to share an update about our town's sustainable planting schemes and acknowledge the dedicated work of our Neighbourhood Services Officers, Mark and Ryan, who maintain our public spaces along Station Road, at our town gateways, and alongside our memorials.
You may notice that our planted areas look different from previous years. This is intentional - we have moved away from seasonal bedding plants that, while providing bright bursts of colour, require frequent replacement and have a larger environmental footprint. Instead, we have embraced sustainable, climate-friendly planting that provides year-round interest through varied textures, forms, and seasonal changes.
While winter gardens may appear less manicured than summer displays, there is beauty in seeing plants through their natural cycles. Our officers work hard to maintain these areas, ensuring they remain healthy and well-tended, even as the plants enter their dormant period. The structural elements of our chosen plants - seed heads, architectural stems, and evergreen foliage - create winter interest while providing valuable habitat for wildlife. Spring bulbs will start emerging soon and different colours will appear!
"I am really proud of our sustainable approach to planting", said Cllr Paul Wright, Chair of the Council's Climate and Environment Committee.
Mark and Ryan have been working hard to ensure our spaces look welcoming for the holiday season while maintaining our commitment to environmental stewardship. This approach aligns with our broader climate action goals and creates resilient landscapes that support local biodiversity.
We appreciate your understanding as we continue to adapt our public spaces to meet both environmental challenges and community needs. If you have any questions about our sustainable planting approach, please don't hesitate to contact the Town Council office. Contact us.
Embracing Sustainable Planting in Our Town
