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HERE is a Press release issued
following work to plant bluebells and launch a community orchard.
REPRESENTATIVES from Chester Zoo, the
Nantwich Riverside
 Project
and Nantwich in Bloom braved the winter weather to do their bit for
local biodiversity as part of the Nantwich Riverside Project and the
Cheshire Bluebell Biodiversity Action Plan.
The team planted more than
10,000 English native bluebell bulbs along with several fruit trees
with the long-term aim of establishing a community orchard in the
area.
With another 10,000 bluebells
planted before Christmas, and the same amount again in 2009, this
partnership work not only enriches the local environment but also
contributes significantly towards achieving the Cheshire region
Biodiversity Partnership’s (CrBP) target of increasing the range of
the species.
The work is being funded by a Chester Zoo
Conservation Research Grant. This small grants fund provides vital
support for practical conservation work and research projects in the
UK and overseas. Applications are carefully assessed for real
conservation impact; in 2008 more than
£95,000
was provided to 40
projects.
We are extremely grateful
for the support we have received from Chester Zoo on this element of
the Riverside Project, both in monetary terms and assistance on the
ground. I’m sure all the hard work in the snow will pay off with a
fantastic show of blue in the spring.
oSarah Bird, Chester Zoo’s Biodiversity
Officer said: “The British bluebell is internationally important
with around half the world population of this species found here in
the UK. However, our bluebells are suffering for many reasons,
including loss of woodland and hybridisation with similar species
that are grown in gardens. Chester Zoo is very pleased to be able to
assist this project both financially and practically; we will
certainly be back in Nantwich in May to see the show!”
lJames
is pictured, above, with Mark Hargreaves of Chester Zoo.
Pictures by
Cliff Brett |
