Youngsters help to encourage wildlife at Leavesden Country Park

Children and staff from Leavesden Green JMI School, Alban Wood Primary School, Woodlands Nursery, Bedmond Primary School and Three Rivers District Council Play Rangers took part in planting over 1,000 bulbs at Leavesden Country Park recently.

Almost 200 trees were also planted with help from Parmiter’s School, Bedmond Primary School and Three Rivers Play Rangers.

Damien Weller, Park Ranger at Leavesden Country Park, said:

“Native bulbs and trees have been selected to encourage more wildlife in the park. The new bulbs and trees will be especially beneficial for local birds and insects and both the bulbs and trees should add an extra splash of colour in the years ahead.”

Councillor Keith Williams, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Community, said:

“I would like to thank all the children, young people, teachers and leaders who took part in the bulb and tree planting for all their hard work.

I would also like to thank the Probation and Youth Offender teams for helping with the preparation work beforehand. I have been greatly encouraged by the enthusiasm demonstrated by all who have participated.”

Among the bulbs planted were Bluebells, Snowdrops, Wild Garlic, Wood Anemone and Lesser Celandine, which local residents should hopefully see within the Park next spring and will provide a valuable source of nectar for insects.

Many of the trees planted will produce fruits and berries which are an important food source for birds during the winter.