An area in rural Mickley will soon be attracting new species of butterflies and insects and providing a ‘bee café’, thanks to a wildflower meadow planting project.

Riverside,  together with housing and regeneration specialist Keepmoat, local county Councillor Anne Dale and Mickley First School organised the project on council land near to Riverside’s new housing development of 22 new two and three bedroomed homes to provide new forage for bees and attract new species of butterflies and insects.

First school pupils from year 4 planted a variety of nectar rich wildflower seeds donated by Keepmoat on the grass verge near the new housing which will hopefully entice butterflies and bees into the area come spring time and also protect native species.

Lee Bailey from Riverside said “These flowers will really brighten up the area and I’d like to thank the children for all their hard work in successfully planting thousands of wildflower seeds which will really benefit the local environment.”

Andrew Hudson Head of Mickley First School said “By taking part in this nature project the children have learned a great deal about wildflowers and how they attract vital species of insects and butterflies to an area”. 

Mrs Anne Dale, County Councillor for the Stocksfield and Broomhaugh ward said: “As part of the Broomley Bee project the children have realised that there is insufficient foraging for bees, and this wildflower meadow will be a huge boost. The county council was very pleased to be able to work with Riverside and the school to do this planting to encourage more bees to the area.

“I am really looking forward to seeing this new ‘bee café’ well used!”

Gill Sweeney from Keepmoat said: Projects like this are a fun and engaging way to get children thinking about their local environment. I’m pleased we were able to make a small contribution towards this fantastic initiative.