Big bulb plant-in at Lockdown Woods in Newbury

Volunteers at Newbury’s two Lockdown Woods gathered for a pair of planting days over the last two weekends, in which around 10,000 spring-flowering bulbs were planted on the sites.

The Lockdown Woods are spaces for remembrance and reflection of those lost in the Covid-19 pandemic.They are a community effort, with numerous bodies – including local councils, the district branch of Friends of the Earth and other organisations – supporting the initiative.

Around 30 people took to Goldwell Park on October 3 and Barn Crescent, Wash Common, on Sunday.

Wash Common resident Jim Lewis, who attended the Barn Crescent planting with his family, said: “The boys had a great time learning how to use the tools and are looking forward to seeing the results.

“It’s fantastic to have a community project like this right on our doorstep.”

Lockdown Woods project co-ordinator Susan Millington said: “We were very fortunate to receive donations of a range of spring-flowering native bulbs and planting equipment from Dobbies garden centre, Thatcham garden centre, West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council.

“Local families turned up to help plant them, and I’m sure the children will be very excited when they see them looking wonderful next spring, buzzing with bees.

“I hope it will contribute to a lifetime of love and care for the countryside.

“Both Goldwell Park and Barn Crescent will look stunning for many springs to come, and I’m sure they will be enjoyed by many.”

Next, volunteers will be planting almost 200 saplings in the woods, which have been grown since the first lockdown.

Events will take place at Stroud Green on November 6 and November 7, between 10am and 1pm each day. To register saplings for planting in the woods, visit bit.ly/3iPiNNO