Princess Parkway, Manchester 2018

Looking back to May and June, the blooming of wildflowers in Manchester was spectacular this summer. Quinney Crescent and Alexandra Park, Moss Side, Princess Avenue, Hulme, and a spectacular display at the Chester Road Roundabout, which was a new revelation this year to many passers-by, representing an amazing urban ecology vista. During the Manchester Marathon, runners ran past these long and glorious displays in flower, visible to so many people.

Displays of red campion on Quinney Crescent

Dave Barlow, Senior Policy Officer at Manchester City Council, has optimised the sustainability of the Tale of Two Cities investment in Manchester and comments,

“Seeing wildflower landscapes evolve in a deeply urban environment over several years is fascinating, challenging and ultimately incredibly rewarding. Watching the ebbs and flows of colour in different settings, of the responses to changes in management and climatic conditions, underlines just how resilient and successful the humble wildflower really is.”

Hulme Subway, a wildflower landmark view of the Hilton Tower

Thanks to Dave for these fabulous photographs and for championing partnership-working and creative urban greening.

I’d also like to acknowledge and thank the Manchester City Council staff, who ensured that the management of the spaces and flowers was so brilliantly executed. Special National Wildflower Centre certificates will be issued to those responsible. You are an inspiration for how we can build a team of wildflower rangers across the Northern Flowerhouse.

Chester Road Roundabout, “This is Manchester”

Photos by Dave Barlow

Text by Richard, rscott@edenproject.com