WORK to create and maintain new wildflower floral verges around the town has been receiving positive feedback from local residents.
The joint initiative between HTS Group Ltd and Harlow Council is a trial project involving four areas – Mark Hall Park, Third Avenue, Second Avenue and Southern Way – which could see more wildflower verges created around the town.
Southern Way wildflowers by Steve Pead
Floral verges enhance biodiversity by encouraging a wider range of wildlife including bees and other pollinators and so help improve the natural environment. Similar projects have been trialled in other areas in the country.Residents have been sharing photos on social media of the sites as they bloom and talking positively about the difference the displays are making to their wellbeing and the environment. Recently Councillor Alastair Gunn, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Councillor Matthew Saggers Ward Councillor for Mark Hall, met up with Andy Bradley HTS Assistant Parks and Landscapes Manager at Mark Hall Park to discuss the project and to see one of the displays for themselves.
Councillor Alastair Gunn, said:“I loved seeing the new wildflower verge in Mark Hall Park. It works so well with the backdrop of St Mary at Latton Church, and in view of the iconic Solo Flight sculpture. This is a great initiative from HTS that’s being delivered with Harlow Council. I’m looking forward to the results of the wildflower verge pilot later this summer, and seeing how we can do more to enhance Harlow’s natural environment and support biodiversity in the town.”Councillor Matthew Saggers, said:“It is great to see such great ecological projects in the Mark Hall ward to show off the area’s great places of interest. The location of such a beautiful verge will be enjoy by residents and local community groups who have strong links to nature and the environment. I look forward to seeing more of these in my ward and across the town so they can be enjoy by all now and in years to come.”
While HTS were at Mark Hall Park a local resident, Maggie, who helps out at the St Mary of Latton Church, came over and chatted to the team and told them how beautiful the floral verge looked and how she would love see more of them in the future.Throughout Harlow there are areas already left for wildspace. These include land currently managed by Harlow Conservation Volunteers, areas of meadow and areas of verge and bank that are currently left long. The Council is due to agree a new tree planting and biodiversity strategy in November.
