Bluebells and Daffodils on Sturgess Fields

15 October 2010

Some of the volunteers on Sturgess Fields

Children enjoying Jim Hall's woodland sculpture

Volunteers of all ages enjoy afternoon of planting

Springtime on Sturgess Fields will be brighter next year thanks to the efforts of community volunteers.

On Wednesday 13 October, over 30 people helped plant bulbs in the meadow's woodland, which is part of the University of Derby. The event was organised by the University in partnership with the environmental charity Groundwork Derby & Derbyshire.

Over 500 Daffodil and Bluebell bulbs were planted by volunteers of all ages, including children from the Royal School for the Deaf, University of Derby students and staff and local residents.

BBC Radio Derby's Ian Williams also joined in the fun, and planted a daffodil live on air!

The weather favoured the exercise, and the volunteers were rewarded with a warm, clear autumnal afternoon- perfect for getting active outdoors.

Artist at work

An unexpected treat was the discovery of University of Derby student Jim Hall, who was busy at work amongst the trees creating a fantastic woven arch out of under-wood.

Jim, 20, is a BA Fine Art student at the University, and uses the woods on Sturgess Fields to relax and gain inspiration for his studies. He said: "I've always enjoyed getting outdoors and making art with what nature provides. It's a very organic process; the arch I made in Sturgess woods, for example, wasn't planned. It simply took shape as I discovered things around me to use.

"I've always found the outdoors inspiring, and forest settings are a great environment to work in. I've built sculptures in the rain, snow- all weathers, and it's amazing how these different conditions shape the final product".

Jim's tree branch sculpture was particularly popular with the school children, and there are now plans for him to build a similar structure at the Royal School for the Deaf. This chance encounter reflects Sturgess Fields' propensity for magical moments.

Management plan

Despite all the fun, the bulb planting was an important exercise, carried out in line with the management plan for Sturgess Fields. Maria Desborough, Community Projects Officer for Groundwork and facilitator of the activity, said: "This event is all about increasing the area's biodiversity, which is really important.

"By planting native wildflowers for the local wildlife to enjoy, we can ensure that Sturgess Fields will continue to be an environmentally rich and very special part of the city".

Four types of bulb- Bluebell, Daffodil, Snakeshed and Celandine- were planted in suitable locations within the woodland, which is also home to bat boxes built by pupils from the Royal School for the Deaf last year.

The planting activity was part of a much bigger picture, and more environmental projects will be carried out on the site in the near future to develop the richness and beauty of this delightful part of Derby.

Article by Luke Foddy. For more information, please email l.foddy@derby.ac.uk or call (01332) 591945