York Walls in Bloom expansion plans
York bar walls wildflower displays could expand as potential future sites named
THE planting of wildflowers by York’s bar walls could be set to expand under plans drawn up by the council.
Walls in Bloom, which has so far seen wildflowers planted by Station Rise and Foss Islands Road, could be replicated elsewhere if proposals are approved on Tuesday, January 27.
A City of York Council report on the plans stated striking floral displays could improve biodiversity while reducing the frequency of grass cutting and costs.
But it added it could increase the reliance on volunteers to maintain the displays and clear communication with residents and visitors was needed to explain the rationale behind the project.
Grass is currently left to grow long on the wall embankments and it is cut once a year on the outside and twice on the inside.
The council’s report stated the approach had environmental and cost benefits but it could be perceived by some as a sign of neglect.
Proposals set to go before a council meeting for a decision on Tuesday, January 27 stated future sites could include Lord Mayor’s Walk, Nunnery Lane and Station Avenue.
Plans specific to each site covering archaeology, ecology and the visual aspect of displays would be drawn up before planting goes ahead.
The upfront cost of each display would be covered by external grants and they would not go ahead if funding could not be secured.
Volunteers from organisations such as St Nicks, Friends of York Walls and York Cares would support the creation of the displays.
St Nicks received UK biodiversity funding to support the initial stage of the existing project.
Their volunteers sowed the seeds of wildflowers at the display by the Red Tower, off Foss Islands Road.
Cash for features including signs and access improvements could come from the council’s existing walls budget and from money received through donation points installed in September.
The council’s report on the plans stated it would look to learn from the way the first wildflower display on the embankment by Station Rise was created.
The display, featuring native flowers which bloom at different times of the year, was in place for its first year in 2025 after seeds were sown in September 2024.
Plans stated the reaction of residents and visitors would have to be managed following a backlash in the run up to the creation of the Station Rise display.
A petition launched while the ground was being prepared for the display called for the condition of the walls to be restored, claiming they had been neglected.
But Cllr Jenny Kent, the council’s Labour environment spokesperson, hailed the project as a success in July.
Cllr Kent told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) responses from residents and visitors had been overwhelmingly positive.
Council ancient monuments lead Liam Dennis said the flowers had flourished thanks to behind-the-scenes work amid last summer’s drought.
The council’s report on the latest plans stated that while wildflowers would support habitats in the face of climate change, extreme weather posed a risk to the displays.