CASTLE Park is in full bloom thanks to a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

Level Best has been working with Colchester Council to plant wildflowers in Castle Park, whilst enriching the lives of people with learning difficulties.

The activity is part of the charity’s commitment to environmental sustainability and providing opportunities for people with learning disabilities to make a difference in their community.

Part of the charity's local work, the activities also see members of the group undertake regular volunteering in the park throughout the year.

The wildflowers have been planted around the blossom circles, a series of interconnecting tree rings created in 2021 as a Covid memorial and part of the Colchester Woodland and Biodiversity Project.

Wildflower seeding is an ongoing project which will continue for the next couple of years.

The planting will help to boost biodiversity in Castle Park and forms part of a wider effort by the council to improve biodiversity in the city. 

Other initiatives to boost biodiversity include No Mow May, a campaign to encourage people to allow their lawns to grow during the month of May, and rewilding areas of the city that only get mown once a year.

Martin Goss, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and waste at Colchester Council, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Level Best on this project.

"Wildflowers are essential for biodiversity, and we are committed to creating more habitats for wildlife in our city.

“We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of nature, and this planting will help to make Castle Park an even more welcoming and colourful place for people to enjoy.”

Alison Ling, manager at Level Best, said: “Our trainees enjoy the weekly sessions working with the park rangers in Castle Park.

“The group were excited to be involved in planting wildflowers, as not only is it important for local wildlife, but they also look fantastic when they bloom.

“After learning about wildflower planting in the park, the group put their newly learnt skills to the test and planted some outside our new base on St John’s Street, which have recently flowered.”