Hull’s urban wildflower meadow in Holwell Road has been recognised for its contribution to helping bees.
The project was selected as a winner of the Year at the Green Action Bees’ Needs Champions Awards for 2019.
The award recognises local authorities and community groups who help protect pollinators in parks and green spaces.
Hull’s wildflower meadows are part of a push to create spaces across the city that promote biodiversity and support the national pollinator strategy by encouraging nectar-rich planting, creating green corridor habitats for pollinating insects and enhancing the environment for residents, visitors and commuters.
Lord Gardiner presented the award to Hull City Council employees Chris Jennison and Chris Powney
Councillor Anita Harrison, portfolio holder for Streetscene at Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted that the meadows have been recognised for the contribution they make to bees.
“The floral meadow in Holwell Road provides a green link through a busy industrial estate and key commuting corridor of the city. The 1.2 hectares of flower-rich verge allowed species to be present includes larkspur, cornflowers, poppies, flax and coreopsis.
“They also act as natural flood prevention zones as they can absorb and store more rainwater than grass.”
The project was undertaken in partnership with Yorkshire-based company Pictorial Meadows.
Cllr Harrison said: “Improving air quality is a key priority for the council and with approximately 20,000 vehicles using this stretch of road daily, we wanted to try and counteract some of the fumes using natural and environmentally friendly methods.
“The meadows not only add a splash of colour, but also brought back bees and butterflies to this area, having a positive impact on the thousands of individuals passing through on a daily basis.”
The awards are run by Defra in partnership with the Bumblebee Association and Green Flag awards.
