Community Comes Together to Plant 5,000 Bulbs in Ellesmere Port

Residents, schoolchildren, community leaders and partner organisations — including Chester Zoo — came together to plant thousands of spring bulbs across an Ellesmere Port neighbourhood.

Friends of Stanney, a volunteer-led community group, coordinated the planting of 5,000 bulbs on the Stanney estate, including bluebells, daffodils, snowdrops and crocuses, to bring a burst of colour next spring.

They were joined by The Conservation Volunteers (TCV), Chester Zoo, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Brio Leisure, ForHousing, ward councillor John Stockton, MP Justin Madders and pupils from St Bernard's RC Primary and Nursery School.

Friends chair Paula Blair, who founded the group with pal Lorna Jeffs and neighbours, said:

“I’d like to thank everyone who came out on the day. By January and February people will start to see what’s been growing and Chester Zoo says this will also improve the habitat for the butterflies and bugs.”

“You can already see the difference we’re making on the estate. We just want to make the area happier, more colourful and safer.”

Working alongside Neil McMahon from TCV, the group has also launched a Green Gym, giving residents opportunities to take part in environmental projects that support local wellbeing.

Friends of Stanney welcome anyone who’d like to get involved — with or without doing physical work — and hold family-friendly events, including a Christmas lantern walk on Friday, December 19.

Cllr John Stockton (Wolverham, Lab) said:

“A big thank you to Paula and Lorna, who are the driving force behind these positive activities. It’s absolutely fantastic.”

Ellesmere Port and Bromborough MP Justin Madders added:

“Lots of people have been lending a hand and helping make the estate brighter and more colourful. I’d encourage other residents to get involved — they’re a friendly bunch doing really great work.”

For details, visit the Friends of Stanney Facebook group or email: 

friendsofstanney@outlook.com

Pictured - Friends of Stanney are joined by representatives from various organisations to take part in a mass bulb planting exercise at the Stanney estate in Ellesmere Port.