Neglected parts of Crediton are coming alive with flowers thanks to a group of keen volunteer gardeners who want to brighten up the town and, more importantly, create valuable habitats for insects. The work is being done by Sustainable Crediton’s Pollinator group, so we asked group member Esther Mann to tell us what they hoped to achieve.
The Pollinator Group is part of Sustainable Crediton and aims to plant pollinator friendly plants in neglected and underused areas in Crediton. We are enthusiastic gardeners and plant lovers who are concerned about the decline of insect life and want to create areas where insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, moths and beetles can thrive.
Insects are really important for the environment as they help move pollen between flowers, acting as pollinators. They are vital to creating and maintaining the habitats and ecosystems that people and animals rely on for food and shelter.
We have been working closely with Mid Devon District Council, Crediton Town Council and members of the community to plant five such areas so far and we aim to plant up many more across Crediton. Our sites are in Belle Parade, Threshers, Spurway and Newcombes Meadow.
The flowers we have planted include cornflowers, perennial wallflowers, cerinthe, nepeta, nautia, calendula, lavender, sunflowers, borage and allium to name but a few!
We love it when members of the public tell us how good the gardens look and lots of people take photos. I think that the Belle Parade site has given people a lot of pleasure during lockdown.
We have already identified several other areas in Crediton and we hope to work with people who live near them so that we can get some perennials into the ground in the Autumn. We will need help with planting, weeding and watering.
If you want to get involved you can contact us via the Sustainable Crediton website.
Sustainable Crediton, is a growing group of local people who share concerns about the effects of climate change. Our mission is to help people in Crediton and the local area to lead more sustainable lifestyles and work towards a carbon neutral future.
