Helping Southsea Castle attract wildlife
Small changes can make a big difference!
On Tuesday 4th June 2024, our friends at Wicor Primary School took part in a big sustainability project to help make Southsea Castle, one of Henry VIII’s fortifications guarding the Solent on Southsea sea front, to be more ‘green’.
Planting to benefit wildlife was at the heart of the project, helping to create nature corridors in urban areas with cities is crucial for the survival of many dwindling species.
The newly planted plants at Southsea were grown from seed and cuttings at the school as part of the curriculum. They are all sensory plants, and most are edible giving benefits to visitors to the castle and its cafe. Plants include calendula, chocolate mint, scented pelargoniums, chives, and nasturtiums.
Many planters from the castle were reused and it was Garsons pleasure to help with this fantastic project by donating bags of compost and extra planters for the school to create stunning displays to attract wildlife. The finished planters are bright and beautiful, fitting in well with the majestic surroundings at the castle, fit for a king!
Over the summer there will be informative materials for visitors to take away from the castle, a calendula trail for children to help explore around the grounds and a pop-up workshop of sowing and growing will be available too. With a visitor footfall of 76,000 it is hoped a wide audience will be educated on how small changes can make a big difference.
Entry is free which will make the experience accessible to all to enjoy..
Thanks to a team of children and community volunteers who took part in the planting project, crossing the castle drawbridge this summer and beyond will sure inspire many to stop, take note and learn ways of enhancing their own outdoor living areas, creating similar displays for wildlife.
