Parks in Worcester are set to undergo a makeover.
This is thanks to a successful application for a Natural Networks grant by Worcester City Council, with the funding to be used to enhance green spaces and create wildlife-friendly habitats.
As part of the project, council staff and volunteers have started planting various bulbs and shrubs across Worcester’s parks and green spaces.
10 fruit trees will also be planted in each of Gheluvelt, Fort Royal, Riverside, and Cripplegate parks, as well as at the Cotswold Way open space.
The trees will take between 10 and 15 years to reach maturity, providing a long-term benefit to the environment.
Bird and bat boxes, bee posts, and hedgehog houses will also be installed to boost biodiversity.
Some park areas will be designated as wildflower meadows, further supporting local wildlife.
Councillor Karen Lewing, vice-chair of the council’s environment committee, said: “The city council is committed to supporting the creation and restoration of wildlife-rich habitats throughout our parks.
“These efforts are part of a larger initiative to increase the ecological health of Worcester’s parks and public spaces.
“This funding allows us to take meaningful steps toward enhancing our parks and creating healthier ecosystems for both wildlife and people.
“The addition of fruit trees and new hedges will not only support biodiversity but also provide beautiful, sustainable green spaces for the community.”
She added: “Thank you to all the volunteer groups who are helping to make this project possible by planting thousands of bulbs, along with tree planting across our parks.
“Volunteers play a vital role in making sure our parks are kept looking lovely and vibrant all year round.”
Natural Networks is a partnership between Worcestershire County Council and the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
The programme is part-funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Forestry Commission.
Councillor Emma Stokes, the county council’s cabinet member for environment, said: “I’m extremely proud of what the Natural Networks programme has achieved in Worcestershire by working closely with partners and local communities.
“The addition of more native trees and hedges, creating shelters for animals and establishing new wildflower meadows, all go a long way to maintaining and improving biodiversity across the county.”