Hebden Bridge News

Calderdale In Bloom 2010

To celebrate the launch of the Royal Horticultural Society’s (RHS) ‘Britain in Bloom’ season, Manor Heath Nursery is taking part in a national mass greening project. As part of this year’s biodiversity theme, green fingered staff and local volunteers will be taking part in a ‘potathon’ – transplanting 1,000 geranium seedlings into pots at Manor Heath Nursery, Manor Heath Park, Halifax.

They aim to complete this task in just two hours from 10 am – 12 noon on Saturday 27 March. Anyone can take part and staff will be there to give assistance.

Manor Heath Nursery will be one of many groups creating a ‘green river of plant life’ this weekend in a bid to help the UK’s various wildlife species from decline.

RHS ‘Britain in Bloom’ and our regional ‘Yorkshire in Bloom’ showcase the very best in community horticulture and attracts thousands of entrants each year.

A number of our towns and villages enter the local ‘Yorkshire in Bloom’ competition and gained many prestigious awards during 2009.

Calderdale Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy and the Environment, Councillor Amanda Byrne, says:

“The nursery at Manor Heath produces in the region of 300,000 plants and around 1,000 hanging baskets for Calderdale’s residents and visitors to enjoy in the parks, villages and towns throughout the year.

“This is a great opportunity for locals to learn about our environment and get involved in a project that will benefit the community.”

The RHS is supporting the United Nation’s 2010 Year of Biodiversity|, so each plant will encourage wildlife and help restore nature’s balance. Biodiversity is the term given to all living things on earth and their habitats; from man to micro-organisms, from deserts, forests, wetlands, mountains, rivers and agricultural landscapes.

Stephanie Eynon, Community Horticulture Manager, RHS, says:

“RHS Britain in Bloom and RHS It’s Your Neighbourhood enables people to join together to improve their local communities and restore civic pride through long-term, sustainable projects which are also beneficial for wildlife.

For more information on RHS Britain in Bloom and its mass greening initiative visit Britain in Bloom or contact Manor Heath on 01422 365631.