A new wildflower meadow has been created along Western Road in Ivybridge to help add colour, life and interest as people approach the town centre.

There has also been some tree planting, to enhance the area visually.

Coordinated by local environmental organisation ParkLife SW, the project has enabled young people from Dame Hannah’s and Manor Primary School to have first-hand experience of creating a special place where wildlife can thrive.

Local conservation volunteers from the Ivybridge community also helped to get the area established. Parklife SW has been working in partnership with Devon County Council and Ivybridge Town Council on the scheme which began in December. The project has come about following the recent Western Road parking changes, with support from Devon County Councillor Roger Croad, recognising that reinstatement following the groundworks was an opportunity to enhance the roadside verge as a more nature friendly space.

Manor Primary School children helped to to rake the soil, preparing it for the wildflower seed, then by seeding the new meadow and planting lots of snowdrop bulbs, supported by staff and local volunteers. The area is now a wonderful place for insect pollinators to come to visit the wildflowers in spring and summer.

Following on, a couple of crab apple trees and a row of yew trees were planted with the help of young people and staff from Dame Hannahs, again supported by members from the local community.

The Western Road project was also helped by the @Generation Green Project at Dartmoor National Park, which works to provide opportunities for young people to access Dartmoor and get involved in environmental volunteering via taster days and their Junior and Youth Ranger programme.