Two community groups in Newtownards have joined with local schoolchildren, the Housing Executive and Ecoseeds Ltd, to help plant wildflowers in an area of grassland in the Bowtown estate.

Members of the Bowtown Senior Citizens Group and the Bowtown Womens Ahead Group, visited the wildflower meadow to receive certificates for their help in transforming the area into a colourful focal point for local residents to enjoy.

Presenting the certificates were Mark Bryson, Senior Consultant from Ecoseeds, and Keith Porter, the Housing Executive's Grounds Supervisor for the Newtownards District.

-- Advertisement --

Mr Bryson said: "We were delighted to have worked with these groups of older people alongside the schoolchildren in the Bowtown estate.

"I am sure their efforts are much appreciated by the local community, and will give them a sense of ownership of this area of wildflower planting.

"Using native wildflowers in planting schemes helps slow the trend of habitat destruction and creates a food and home base for insects, birds, and mammals," he added.

Mr Porter, from the Housing Executive, said: "I am delighted to have worked with Ecoseeds and the local community in developing this project.

"The wildflower meadow will significantly enhance the biodiversity of this site, and will provide an extremely colourful and enduring amenity for the local community," he added.

This area of the Bowtown estate, known as The Valley, had been used by individuals to dump rubbish and to ride quad bikes over.

The are is now expected to be a location that can be enjoyed by all residents of Bowtown.

(PR/JM)