Wildflower havens coming to Bowerhill

TWO public open spaces in Bowerhill will be transformed into wildflower havens.

The public open spaces on Hornchurch Road and Wellington Drive will be part of a trial by Wiltshire Council to create wildflower areas across the county to help encourage wildlife to flourish. The areas were put forward by Melksham Without Parish Council.

In addition to the creation of a wildflower area at Hornchurch Road, additional changes to the space will be made by the parish council. 

The parish council intend to create an informal sports area, take over the grass cutting from Wiltshire Council, and clear undergrowth that is overshadowing the pond next to the play area, to improve the space for wildlife.

Parish clerk, Teresa Strange, told Melksham News, “The space at Hornchurch Road is massive – this summer the grass was at waist-height in some areas. The ground is of poor quality – its uneven and there are lots of dock leaves.

“After a meeting with BRAG (Bowerhill Residents Action Group) and Wiltshire Council, it has been decided that the parish council will take over grass cutting – and rather than cut the space nine times a year, we will concentrate on one area away from the houses to create a sizeable area for children to play sports on. We will aerate the space, carry out some drainage work, and cut it more regularly.

“The rest of the space will be left fallow, as part of the wildflower trial, and paths will be mown through it.

“Next to the play area there is a pond that is not getting enough light due to overgrown trees. So it has been agreed following advice from Wiltshire Council’s tree officer to clear the undergrowth to let more light in – hopefully kids will be able to see more wildlife such as frogs.”