The initiative is supported by Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service, in partnership with East Herts District Council. Locations include:
- Parsonage Lane Play Area and The Shearers Field (Bishop’s Stortford)
- Millmead Play Area and Sadlers Farm (Hertford)
- Vantorts Close (Sawbridgeworth).
- King George V Playing Field and The Bourne Play Areas (Ware)
Parks where we have created wildflower meadows in the past include Southern Country Park and Hartham Common.
Eric Buckmaster, Executive Member for Wellbeing at East Herts Council recently visited some of the locations and said:
“It is so important we invest time in these types of projects to boost habitats for wildlife in our parks and open spaces across the district, and I’m delighted these greenspaces have been identified as suitable locations for wildflower meadow creation sites.
“The areas were carefully chosen to ensure they don’t impact on existing facilities and I’m sure residents will enjoy seeing the transformation as they flourish and grow.”
All the sites are being prepared for the wildflower seeds to be sown and will be carefully managed, including regular mowing to control dominant grasses and growth of nettles and thistles, to help the wildflowers germinate and flourish.
It is anticipated that by 2024 these new wildflower meadows will be established in their natural surroundings and be a vital source of pollen. The seeds are mixed but are likely to include Common Knapweed, Lady’s Bedstraw, Oxeye Daisy, Self-Heal and much more.
Signage will inform residents about what is happening in the area, and also act as a polite notice not to trample the ground whilst it is cultivated.
Find out more about the parks and open spaces managed by East Herts District Council.
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