Bluebells And Daffodils On Sturgess Fields
7 October 2010
Local school children involved in a previous event on Sturgess Fields
We want as many people as possible to come along and do their bit for nature
”Groundwork Community Projects Officer, Maria Desborough.
Green fingered volunteers are being encouraged to spend an afternoon planting bulbs at a city beauty spot.
Staff from the University of Derby, in partnership with Groundwork, are holding a planting day at Sturgess Fields on Wednesday 13 October, and are hoping to recruit some help.
Over 1,000 daffodils, bluebells, celandines and fritillaries will be planted to ensure that spring 2011 is colourful time on the meadow, which is part of the University.
Local schools will take part in the planting, and bat boxes, built by children from the Royal School for the Deaf, will also be installed in the meadow's surrounding woodland.
Peter Walker, Community Relations Officer at the University, said: "This is another opportunity to work with the community for the benefit of the long-term management of Sturgess Fields.
"Once again our local schools, together with the energy and love of our young people, will help us make a difference.
"We will look forward to inviting the schools back in the springtime to enjoy the fruits of their labour".
The event will be led by the environmental education group Groundwork Derby and Derbyshire, who will provide all the tools needed for the volunteers.
Groundwork Community Projects Officer, Maria Desborough, who will be facilitating the activity, said: "We are very proud to be working with the University of Derby on this valuable project.
"The planting of native woodland flora adds to the biodiversity of the site which will expand the habitats and foodstuffs for an increasing number of mini-beasts and microfauna.
"This in turn makes a better habitat for larger invertebrates and small mammals, all of which makes the site more interesting, more beautiful and more valuable.
"The event is a brilliant opportunity for anyone who lives or works in Derby to get involved and plant a few bulbs on the site. We want as many people as possible to come along and do their bit for nature".
If you are interested in taking part in the planting session, the group will be meeting at 2pm on the bridge between the Jonty Farmer pub and the Medical Centre, off Kedleston Road. Everyone is welcome to attend, but are advised to wear suitable footwear and to wrap up warm!
For more information about this news release, contact Luke Foddy, Community Projects, on 01332 591945 or email l.foddy@derby.ac.uk
