Riverbank Revival in Blackburn with Darwen

Aim

We would like to grow wildflowers with communities of Blackburn with Darwen to be used in urban spaces in the borough.

Ribble Rivers Trust are a registered charity, based in the north west of England with the aim of improving the Ribble catchment. Increased vegetation cover is important for improving water quality and increasing the resilience of communities and habitats in the face of climate change.

We would like to increase the number of spaces for pollinators and other important insects in the borough of Blackburn with Darwen. We would also like to introduce native wildflowers to areas of riverbank along the River Darwen and its tributaries.

Blackburn with Darwen is an area with high levels of deprivation and poor access to green spaces. We would like to make positive changes to alter these stats. Our aim is to work with communities in Blackburn with Darwen to lead workshops and provide resources to grow wildflowers. We will also lead workshops to clear Himalayan balsam on riverbanks in the Darwen catchment. This invasive non-native species dominates riverbanks, outcompeting native plant species. After clearing Himalayan balsam with communities, we will spread wildflower seeds to allow native species to establish.

The workshops and community activities we intend to deliver will encourage community cohesion by bringing together local residents for positive actions. The project will also encourage people to interact with outdoor spaces on their doorsteps, helping to reconnect people with the natural spaces around them. Looking after plants is good for mental health and wellbeing, encouraging the enjoyment of simple pleasures and the positivity of new life.

By providing wildflower growing kits, the project will be accessible to all, regardless of the budget. The kits will also not need much outdoor space, meaning that they activity can be enjoyed by a diverse range of households, particularly those with limited access to gardens and green spaces.

This project successfully funded on 23rd November 2023