City's wildflower planting scheme to be extended

4 hours ago

News image — If plans are approved, the wildflower project along York's Roman city walls could be extended to elsewhere in the city

York Council Wildflowers and grass on York's Station Rise embankment with York Minster in the background — If plans are approved, the wildflower project along York's Roman city walls could be extended to elsewhere in the city

Joe GerrardLocal Democracy Reporting Service

A wildflower planting scheme that began near York's historic walls could be extended to other locations in the city.

The displays, featuring native species which bloom at different times of the year, were first planted at Station Rise and Foss Islands Road in 2024.

The city council said there are now discussions about further planting on Lord Mayor's Walk, Nunnery Lane and Station Avenue.

Proposals could be approved for the Walls in Bloom expansion at a meeting on 27 January.

The wildflowers by the Red Tower near Foss Islands Road were sowed by volunteers from local groups St Nick's, Friends of York Walls and York Cares.

A council report said that the displays improved biodiversity and reduced grass-cutting costs, but they also required volunteers to maintain them, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

The authority also said it was aware that there had been a perception that the areas were being "neglected" while the ground was being prepared for the planting.

The new sites' archaeology, ecology and visual aspect would all be assessed before a decision was made.

The initial costs would also have to be covered by external grants and funding, and from donation boxes at points along the walls, but the council budget would pay for some signs and access improvements.

The same volunteer organisations would be asked to continue helping to create and maintain the displays if the expansion plans are passed, the report said.

Despite a backlash from residents and visitors before the Station Rise display bloomed, councillor Jenny Kent, the council's environment spokesperson, said in summer that responses from residents and visitors were "overwhelmingly positive".

The council's ancient monuments lead, Liam Dennis, said the flowers had flourished thanks to behind-the-scenes work amid last summer's drought.

While wildflowers support habitats in the face of climate change, the council added, extreme weather also posed a risk to the displays.

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