Race against time for bulb planting

Race against time for bulb planting

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is calling on all flower-loving members of the public to help towards the planting of 3,000 daffodil bulbs at Weetslade Country Park before the frost arrives.
Daffodils - Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Daffodils. Image by: Ross Hoddinott/2020VISION

Developed on the former pit heap of Weetslade Colliery, the shallow sloping sides of the hill contain areas of grassland, scrub and woodland. At the foot of the slopes, to the west side of the Park, wetlands provide home to many common damselflies and dragonflies. Many birds are present on the site such as grey partridge, meadow pipit and skylark.

On Sunday 7 November, the wildlife charity will be hosting two planting events at 12 noon and 1:30pm as part of its plans to enhance the site for wildlife and brighten it for the thousands of people who visit each year.

In addition to members of the public, 61 children and teachers from Amberley Primary School will also be getting involved later in the month to ensure there will be a ready supply of nectar for bees and butterflies next spring.

The event has been made possible thanks to support from The Land Trust.

Speaking about the event, Lynette Friend, Education Officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust says: “t’s a race against time to ensure all the bulbs, are planted before the frosty weather arrives, so why not round up your friends, family and work colleagues and join us?

“It’s great exercise and you’ll get such satisfaction when the flowers bloom over the next few years knowing that you helped create the floral carpet.”

Places need to be booked at www.nwt.org.uk/events There is no charge to book. Anybody who decides to help at the last minute can head to the interpretation panel on the site and check with one of the Trust’s volunteers.