Gloucester gets a bee in its bonnet
Gloucester has become the first ‘Bee City’ in Britain, replacing traditional summer bedding plants in public flower beds with a mixture of colourful pollen-rich wildflowers to create a new concept of ‘Urban Meadows’.
The changes were introduced by the city council as part of its commitment to the environment. The new approach also cuts costs because virtually no maintenance is required.
Staggered sowing of the seeds means that flowers will bloom throughout the summer and into the autumn.
Councillor Kathy Williams, Cabinet Member for the Environment, said: “This new planting regime seems to have really caught the imagination of the public.
“The flowers are absolutely wonderful and really brighten the city. They also seem to brighten the spirits of everyone who sees them.
“I think we have shown we can save money, look after the environment and provide a superb service. The results right across Gloucester speak for themselves as these colourful plants really are helping to transform the city.”
Mark Owen, Chairman of the Gloucester branch of the FSB, said: “I particularly like the display of wildflowers on the grass verges on the approach to Westgate Island from Highnam. It really helps to enhance the image of the city for visitors which is good for everyone.”
This is the second year of trials of the seeds and while the wet weather has hampered some germination other varieties have done particularly well.
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