Wildflower meadow set to blossom at Darlington Denes

A meadow of over 700 wildflowers has been created at the Darlington Denes play area to increase biodiversity, supply a haven for insects and birds, and give people a place to enjoy nature.

It is the latest Climate Action North Pollinator Parks® garden and has been created in collaboration with Darlington Parent Carers Forum, supported by Friends of the Denes, and is funded by Darlington Building Society’s 5% Pledge.

Over 50 members of the public, of all ages and backgrounds, joined the project team to plant the British native ‘pollinator-friendly’ wildflowers incorporating 32 different species in three areas.

These are the Wild North Meadow and the ‘South-side Sunny Meadow’, located near the toddler and junior play areas in the Darlington Denes, and a smaller meadow providing colour and fragrance beside the sensory play area in the Tennis Dene.

Climate Action North’s Director of Ecology and Community Rewilding, Phil Macari, led the planting team along with fellow director Sharon Lashley, and they were joined by Donna Wright from Darlington Parent Carers Forum, Blake Vaughan of the Friends of the Denes, and managers from Darlington Building Society.  

Phil said: “The wildflower meadow is designed to support nature’s recovery by supplying a haven for insects and birds and creating a more diverse and attractive landscape. Among the 32 species planted included English Bluebells, Primroses, Wild Garlic, Cats Ear, Wild Thyme, Oxeye Daisy, Foxglove, Common Mallow, and Valerian.”

The park will also serve as a community area and will be cared for by Darlington Borough Council, who will adjust mowing in the area to allow the plants flower, and so provide nectar to the insects from March to September.

Donna Wright, from Darlington Parent Carers Forum, said: “We’re proud to be involved with this project, which is not only helping to provide a pleasant outside area for our children’s outdoor play area, but also contributing to a sustainable environment. We’re really looking forward to seeing the meadow bloom!”

Blake Vaughan, from the Friends of the Denes, said: “It was clear from talking to the everyone who came along to plant on the day that there is a positive buzz about the meadow and we’re all looking forward to seeing it become an attractive area for our wildlife and families.”

The Pollinator Parks® initiative is the registered trademarked programme of Climate Action North to rewild business and retail parks throughout the North of England.

Other Pollinator Parks® gardens include Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre, the first retail park in the North of England to host a Climate Action North Pollinator Parks® garden, and the North East BIC, which is where Pollinator Parks® originated with the first garden planted in 2019.

To set up a Pollinator Parks® area or find out more about sponsorship opportunities get in touch.

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