New blooming community garden helps Knaresborough flourish for people and wildlife thanks to volunteers
A new community garden is taking shape in the heart of Knaresborough thanks to a partnership between two local organisations determined to make the town greener and more welcoming for both people and wildlife.
Named Park Corner, the garden is being created at the junction of High Street and Park Row through a collaboration between Renaissance Knaresborough's BuzzLines initiative and Knaresborough in Bloom.
Designed and planted by volunteers, with support from North Yorkshire Council's gardening team, the new space has been created using many plants grown from seedlings originally cultivated for the community garden in the Terraced Garden at Conyngham Hall.
The project forms part of the BuzzLines initiative, which aims to establish ten kilometres of pollinator pathways across Knaresborough, connecting green spaces and habitats to support bees, butterflies and other pollinating insects.
As well as boosting biodiversity, the scheme is intended to improve the town's streetscape, creating more attractive walking routes for residents and visitors while encouraging active travel.
Hannah Gostlow, Chair of Knaresborough in Bloom, said: "When we learned that the previous planting scheme on the site was coming to the end of its life, we saw an opportunity to work with Renaissance Knaresborough's BuzzLines project to create something that would have a lasting impact.
"We wanted a garden that would be beautiful, sustainable and provide greater benefits for local biodiversity.
"Knaresborough in Bloom has some amazing gardening volunteers and they jumped at the chance to be involved.
"By working together with BuzzLines, we can create spaces that not only help wildlife but also make our town centre a more welcoming and enjoyable place for residents and visitors.
"Over time, I'm sure Park Corner will become a feature that the town can be really proud of."
Liz Baxandall, of Renaissance Knaresborough, said the project perfectly reflected the aims of the BuzzLines initiative.
She said: "Park Corner perfectly captures what BuzzLines is all about.
"Our ambition is to create ten kilometres of pollinator pathways across Knaresborough, linking habitats and helping nature thrive, but we're also creating greener, more attractive streets and spaces for people.
"By improving the environment for pollinators, we're making the town a more pleasant place to walk, encouraging active travel and helping people connect with nature in their everyday lives.
"It's a wonderful example of what can be achieved through partnership working and community action."
The partners hope Park Corner will become an attractive gateway to Knaresborough town centre while forming part of an expanding network of wildlife-friendly spaces across the town.
Residents who would like to lend a hand are encouraged to follow Renaissance Knaresborough and Knaresborough in Bloom on Facebook, where details of future volunteer sessions will be shared.
Further planting is planned for early autumn as the community garden continues to grow.