Abbey Gardens boosts biodiversity as 3,000 bulbs planted
Pupils and staff from Tollgate Primary School and Sybil Andrews Academy are joined by Ian Shipp and Abbey Gardens volunteers to plant bulbs in the Abbey Gardens. Photo: West Suffolk Council.
A collaboration between volunteers, local schools and West Suffolk Council has given biodiversity a boost by naturalising thousands of bulbs in the Abbey Gardens, in Bury St Edmunds.
School children, volunteers and gardeners came together to plant 3,000 bulbs in a grassed areas under the canopy of mature trees, which will flower over a three-month period, providing an early food source for insects.
Lynda Seldis, co-ordinator for the Abbey Gardens Volunteers, said: “Fundraising by the Abbey Gardens Friends allowed us to donate bulbs selected to encourage local wildlife such as bees and butterflies.
“I’m delighted that students from local schools joined us in the actual planting and also for the practical support from the gardeners in preparing the site. We are a voluntary group and we’re involved in all kinds of projects in these award winning gardens. We warmly welcome new members.”
Pupils from Sybil Andrews Academy and Tollgate Primary School were among those planting the bulbs.
Dave Morris, who runs Tollgate Primary’s Gardening Club, said: “Making physical connections with the natural world is important for us all, but even more so for our young. Our pupils will see the bulbs they planted flower and see the wildlife that’s attracted. We’re very pleased to have taken part.”
Laura Caunter, of Sybil Andrews Academy, said: “Being part of this project is not just about making something beautiful, but also about enriching the local eco system by providing a natural habitat for various species. This gives students a practical opportunity to learn about the importance of biodiversity and ecological conservation. We are very pleased to be part of the project.”
And Ian Shipp, cabinet member for Leisure at West Suffolk Council, added: “The willingness to be involved and the pride and the care taken in this project all show how residents and visitors value our open spaces. The Abbey Gardens are at the heart of Bury St Edmunds international reputation and delight a million or more visitors every year. This community effort helps a deeper understanding of how important nature is to us al and I congratulate the volunteers and helpers who have made it possible.”