Transformed Doves Corner Sets New Direction for Sustainability in Ashington
Unique Compass Feature and Pollinator-Friendly Planting Create Welcoming Community Space in Haydon Ward
Ashington Town Council is pleased to share news of a significant environmental enhancement project at Doves Corner in the Haydon Ward, which was completed in late summer and has been creating a more welcoming, accessible, and sustainable community space for residents to enjoy.
The project, which responded to longstanding calls from ward councillors for improvements to this well-used area, has transformed what was previously a tired seating area with overgrown features into an attractive, low-maintenance green space that will benefit residents and wildlife alike.
Key Improvements
The redevelopment has introduced several notable enhancements:
Enhanced Accessibility: Two high-quality recycled Streetmaster Colwyn seats with arm supports have replaced aging benches, providing greater comfort and accessibility.
Sustainable Planting: The removal of three annual planting beds has made way for a striking new circular shrub bed featuring over 50 carefully selected plants. The diverse planting scheme includes:
- Evergreen Structure: Varieties of Euonymus provide year-round interest with their glossy foliage, including the golden-variegated 'Emerald Gold' and architectural 'Green Spire'
- Seasonal Interest: Viburnum 'Roseum' offers spectacular spring blooms, while the ornamental cherry Prunus 'Okame' provides early pink blossoms
- Wildlife-Friendly Choices: Buddleia (the beloved butterfly bush) and Hebe attract pollinators throughout the growing season
- Pollinator Paradise: A generous border of lavender surrounds the bed, creating a fragrant haven for bees and butterflies
The planting design emphasises sustainability and low maintenance, developed in consultation with Northumberland County Council's maintenance team to ensure the space remains attractive for years to come.
In a creative addition to the project, Town Council officers Mark Air and Ryan Appleby have installed Ashington's only compass at this prominent location, providing an engaging educational feature for residents and visitors.
This project demonstrates effective partnership working and long-term commitment to community improvement. Funded through the Environmental Enhancement budget allocated for Ward Cllr improvements, the project spanned a longer timeframe than initially anticipated, including the local elections in May.
The successful delivery required dedication from Cllrs both pre and post-election, with outgoing Cllrs Graeme Wright, and Bryan Gallagher, and current Cllrs Marjorie Chambers, David Coyle, and John Tully all playing instrumental roles in bringing the vision to fruition.
The space has been transformed into somewhere our community can truly enjoy. The new planting will provide colour and interest throughout the seasons while supporting our vital pollinator populations. The new seating and litter bin also improve how the space looks and its functionality.
The Council commends the creative input of Mark and Ryan for the compass feature, and thanks Northumberland County Council and Brambledown for groundworks. Special thanks also to ward Cllrs past and present for their sustained commitment to improving the Haydon Ward’s environment.
The Doves Corner project demonstrates how thoughtful investment in green spaces can create lasting benefits for communities, combining visual appeal, environmental sustainability, and inclusive design.
