NOTE: The organisers have changed this to Saturday 5th May 2018 at 1pm at same location
If you would like to get out and about this weekend and help your local environment at the same time a wildflower seed sowing event is being held this Saturday 21 April at Newry Cathedral Car Park, Abbey Way, Newry at 1pm.
The event hosted by Jonny McCullough and Garry McElherron from Newry 2020 should take around an hour and will involve mixing our native wildflower seeds with sand and spreading this around the verges of the car park. We may also plant a few native tree saplings and we have bee house kits to assemble for encouraging bees and mini-beasts!
Newry 2020 identified the grass verges around the Cathedral car park in Newry as a potential place for wildflowers to improve the urban environment. The group engaged with Newry, Mourne, Down District Council who have prepared the verges for seed sowing.
A Spokesperson added "Since wildflowers require less grass cutting this should also reduce the cost burden on NMDDC and ourselves as ratepayers but more importantly provide a bright vibrant splash of colour that encourages wildlife and improves the urban environment for everyone. Success of the wild flower seeds is not guaranteed but we are up for trying."
What to Bring
If you would like to take part come along with your family and any plastic spades, rakes or watering cans that can be used to disperse the sand/seed mixture. Some ground preparation may be required but council staff will be on-hand.
All children must be accompanied by an adult particularly since there will be traffic using the car park. Everyone must wear appropriate footwear for rough and steep terrain. We will be taking photos of participants sowing seeds for promotional purposes so please advise us if you do not want your children included in any photos.
Thanks
Thanks to Gary Stokes, Joe Henry, Gary McCurry, Michael McKinney & Danielle Begley of NMDD Council and Newry 2020 for their work in getting this small project kicked off. Grow Wild UK, Woodland Trust and Biodiversity NI for seeds and saplings. Heritage Lottery Fund.
