Wild Plants
Following a new cold store development in 1999 for the Packhouse site, a Millenium Conservation project was started in 2000. New earth banks of topsoil from the building works were rolled and seeded. The sides of a bioswale for rainwater collection from roadways and buildings were planted with wild flower mixes, grasses and reeds. The seeds quickly established and the grasses and reeds multiplied offering a habitat for wild ducks, moorhens and insects.
A two hectare belt of young trees was planted on the western boundary of the soil banks and the project has developed successfully with a range of woodland types.
In recent years the soil banks and rainwater pond have matured into a site of increasing wildlife and plant activity which is managing to maintain a balance of species. For example flowering thistles are very attractive to butterflies and bumble bees but mature thistle plants can be invasive and need control as seed heads develop. A photographic record of the project is being maintained as new plants, insects and wildlife develop, and will be added to the website.
