Thousands of flower bulbs planted across North Solihull

THOUSANDS of  wildflower bulbs were planted across North Solihull last month.
Details of the highly ambitious programme have been revealed by the B37 Project – which supports art and environmental schemes in the area.
The bulbs have been dug into the soil at a range of sites, with hopes of colourful displays emerging in the months and years to come.
Activity in recent weeks is the first phase of an even bigger horticultural project, with as many as 50,000 flowers set to be planted in the next 18 months.
Bluebells, snowdrops, wild garlic and red campion are among the perennials already in place, with funding provided by the Birmingham Airport Community Fund.
So far planting has taken place at locations including Chapelhouse Road, Babbs Mill and the so-called “woods with no name” – a remnant of the ancient Forest of Arden.
At this spot alone there are now more than 2,000 bulbs beneath the surface.
The B37 Project said: “These seemingly insignificant woods are in fact an important reminder of B37’s natural heritage. Before the council estate was built, Chelmsley Wood was a vast woodland in the countryside, teeming with wildlife.
“Older generations will remember escaping to ‘The Bluebell Wood’ for the day to take in the sights and scent of bluebells and wild garlic nestled under the mighty oaks.”
It is hoped that the flowers will invoke memories of the estate’s greener past.
A range of recent studies have also shown that seeing flora and fauna plays an important part in people's mental health.
You can find out more about the recent activity and other local schemes via the Project’s official Facebook page.