MORE than 85,000 spring bulbs have been planted in Emersons Green to bring spring colour – and more bees – into the area.
The project is part of South Gloucestershire Council’s Common Connections programme to help tackle the “climate and nature emergency” declared by the authority nearly six years ago.
The council teamed up with Emersons Green Town Council in December to plant snowdrop, crocus, tulip and squill bulbs along 33 different road verges surrounding Emerson Way.
A council spokesperson said: “With over 85,000 bulbs planted in total, this is one of the biggest ever planting projects undertaken by the council’s grounds team.
“When the bulbs flower, they will provide a nectar-rich corridor that pollinators will love, as well as providing residents and visitors to the area with a beautiful, colourful, floral display to celebrate the arrival of spring.
“Bees, butterflies, moths, lacewings and hoverflies all play a vital role in helping plants to set seed, fruit and reproduce. Sadly, though, these pollinating insects are in decline with a lack of food and a shortage of suitable nesting sites both contributing factors.”
The flowers are intended to provide an early supply of nectar for bees that feed in winter and those that emerge from hibernation in the spring.
The council has also worked with 11 schools, including Mangotsfield School, Lyde Green Primary school and Mangotsfield Primary School, to help make their grounds better for wildlife by planting hedgerows, trees and creating hedgehog holes.
It is marking the halfway point of its four-year Common Connections project, working with 700 volunteers to create new, improved, and better-connected habitats that support nature and make areas more resilient to climate change.
Cabinet councillor Louise Harris said: “We’re helping nature to thrive by restoring natural habitats in the area and connecting nearby green spaces, such as commons, woodlands and grasslands.”
Emersons Green Town Council environmental services manager Paul Kearsley, who planted thousands of bulbs in verges near Hicks Avenue, said: “The spring flowers will add to the work we do across the area to help wildlife.
“As with many initiatives that are good for nature, there are some real benefits for people too, and we’re really looking forward to being able to enjoy the flowers this coming spring.”