A project funded by Veolia Environmental Trust and more widely by The Forestry Commission's Setting the Scene For Growth programme is seeing greater usage of a run down green space at the heart of a plan to plant 1200 street,park and green spaces across Birkenhead and Bidston that will encourage greater inward investment in the docklands regeneration area and Enterprise Zone - Wirral Waters.
This small but key part of the programme started by planting a single Ginkgo tree at the top of the small hill leading up to nearby North Birkenhead Development Trust headquarters, The St James' Centre the catalyst for much good and change within the community.
With the assistance of a £67000 grant from the Veolia Environmental Trust the park space has been transformed into a lively green space with a diverse range of activity and green elements.Some 3000 bulbs are being planted as well as wildflowers to attract wildlife and especially bees to the park.
Ben Greenaway Green Streets Coordinator said - 'The planting of over 70 diverse trees in the park space certainly has made the park more friendly and of a human scale attracting a wider audience to a range of play activities and incidental engagement opportunities within the park.Even people passing through can take a breather on the way to the shops of local transport connections by sitting on one of our newly installed stones.They were hollowed out of the Peak District and brought here by wagon back in August'.
The improvement activities that are ongoing, are an opportunity to engage with school children,parents,local residents and even passers by who want to get involved with nature and its connection to park spaces.
When the trees a range of ornamental and larger form species are planted - Honey locust,Indian Bean,Giant Redwood,Cherry,Swamp Cypress amongst others- visitors will be able to appreciate year round interest in shape,form,texture and colour.
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