Amey, DIO and local school children create wildflower verge at Colchester Garrison

01 October 2021
Image of wild flowers.

Amey Project Manager, Jennifer Monaghan, and DIO’s Housing Estate Manager, Tina Denmark, have worked together to transform an unloved and damaged grass verge within the Garrison into a treasured wildflower verge. Damage occurred due to inconsiderate parking which also regularly blocked the pathway to pedestrians. 

The duo decided to boost biodiversity by making the verge more sustainable and wildlife friendly. Amey’s supply chain partners, Unique Interiors, generously offered to provide and install some low-level fencing around the verge to prevent vehicles from driving across it.  

Keen to create something delightful for local families, Tina contacted 13 Air Assault Support, who had produced some lovely railings that were used to transform an underpass in 2019. Sergeant Woods and his team, L/Cpl Moss and Cpl Hewitt, created some beautiful metal artwork, lovely bees, butterflies, poppies and silhouettes of children with nets that were placed on the verge for all to enjoy. 

The team of volunteers from Amey, DIO and the local council, helped with the seeding and final finish of the verge and invited local school children to visit. The children visited in groups of six, and each one was provided with a cup of seeds to sow.  

Tina Denmark said: “Not only has this been a great community project, it has also resolved a problematic topic of conversation in the area which has raged for many years.  Fingers crossed we will have some beautiful flowers and poppies next summer.”