Updates

Free seeds to attract bees to Oswaldtwistle

Newground staff at Rhyddings Park Kitchen Garden were so concerned about the dwindling bee population that they decided to start growing bee friendly plants such as calendula, cornflower, nasturtium and poppy.

Joanne Shaw, Newground’s Volunteer Engagement Officer at Rhyddings Park, “The plants did so well in the newly enriched soil that it gave us the idea to start collecting seeds to dry and offer to residents, enabling them to grow them in pots in their backyards or their garden borders. The plants are all easy to grow, offering lovely colour as well as that all important nectar for the bees. In addition to providing our beloved bees with many more feed stops, it will give residents a chance to enjoy the benefits of gardening for themselves at home.”

Now Joanne is calling on volunteers to help package the seeds to be distributed at a seed swap event in March.

She added: “We have a very busy time ahead of us over the next few months so we would like people to come along to the garden and make up the packets, which residents will later be able to collect and grow at home.”

Seeds and social events will take place on Thursdays between 1-2pm during November, December and January. Residents can enjoy a cup of tea while helping the garden staff make the seed packets.

To book onto a volunteering session, visit https://friendsofrhyddingspark.com/shop?olsPage=products%2Fseeds-and-socials&page=3

Check www.facebook.com/rhyddingsparkkitchengarden for rainy day weekend sessions.

The seed swap and seed give away will be held at Rhyddings Park on Saturday March 14 and Sunday March 15 between 1-3pm.

If you have any unwanted seeds that you could donate the event, contact Joanne on 07701 312277 or [email protected].

Residents of Oswaltdtwistle and surrounding villages are being offered free seeds in a bid to attract more bees to the area.

bees