Residents at Lambwood Heights take part in the Essex Wildlife Trust’s initiative

Lambwood Heights residents are playing their part in the Essex Wildlife Trust’s plan to plant one million new wildflowers in Essex and help cultivate the local insect population.

Residents June and Vera got out into the garden area at Lambwood Heights to plant the seeds, donated by the Essex Wildlife Trust, in a dedicated wildflower area.

By spring next year, the wildflower area will be a haven for residents to enjoy the colours and smells the flowers bring. It will also encourage insects, which are vitally important as studies have shown that 41% of insect species are threatened with extinction, with pesticide use and habitat loss are key factors contributing to their rapid decline, according to Essex Wildlife Trust. Wildflowers are a key habitat for bees, butterflies, moths and beetles as they provide them with food, places to breed and shelter during bad weather.

“Our residents are always keen to get involved in environmental projects,” says Lambwood Heights’ manager, Sonia Kasese. “When the opportunity came to take part in the Essex Wildlife Trust’s initiative, we were keen to do it, and the residents enjoyed getting out into the garden to do the planting.

“The therapeutic effects of gardening are well known and, when the flowers grow, it will provide a haven for residents, some of whom used to garden as a hobby when they were younger and still enjoy the outdoors.”

“It is also great to be involved in an initiative to help the insects. With their habitats under threat, we want to help do our bit to save the planet. It might not seem much, but everything helps.”
June added: “I always enjoyed gardening when I was in my own home, so to take part in this event was really enjoyable. I’m looking forward to seeing the flowers grow next year.”

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