We would like to turn simple grass banks alongside the canal into a colourful linear wildflower meadow. Running parallel with the busy London Road, the meadow will provide a soothing oasis of calm as well as an important corridor for pollinating insects and other wildlife.
We have left part of the bank uncut in recent months to encourage wildflowers to grow naturally and species such as Bee Orchids, Oxeye Daisies and Silverweed have already been found. In order to create the meadow we are looking for volunteers to help retain samples of these plants, before rotavating the soil and sowing wildflower seeds.
The volunteering sessions are due to take place on three successive Wednesdays in October with the first planned for Wednesday 16 October. Each session will start at 10am and volunteers are invited to give as much or as little time as they can.
The project is part of our contribution to Defra's Year of Green Action, a year-long drive to help everyone get involved in projects that support nature in their gardens, schools or workplaces.
Richard Bennett, heritage & environment manager, said: “Research shows us that spending time by water is good for our wellbeing, helping us all to feel happier and healthier. With so many people living and working a stone's throw from the Nottingham & Beeston Canal it's clear that the waterway has a really important part to play in people's daily lives."
“The canal is a real antidote to city life, giving local people a quiet, green place to get some fresh air and enjoy being closer to nature. However, we want to make it an even more special place and that's where we need the support of local people."
“By working with us to create these wildflower meadows people will be helping to bring more wildlife right into the heart of the city and make the canalside a more welcoming and attractive place. And, of course, by volunteering they will be helping to improve their own sense of wellbeing.”
Sign up here for the Wildflower Meadow Project.
