New wildflowers areas have been created at two Staffs Housing schemes to help boost the local wildlife.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust have been creating and planting new wildflower areas at Bishop’s Court and Moreton House, which as well as helping the wildlife, hopes to increase the wellbeing of residents and make the spaces look more attractive.

Funded by the National Lottery’s Community Fund, for residents at Bishop’s Court they will see a new wildflower area in the communal gardens as well as a regeneration of the current wild area in the carpark, which has become overgrown. At Moreton House, a new area has been cleared and seeded on the grass area near the carpark.

Part of the Homes in Bloom project, the scheme is all about improving the natural greenspace areas, which will in return offer residents positive spaces to enjoy.

As well as looking and smelling nice, the new areas will also help the local wildlife, as Shaun Rimmer, Senior Community Engagement Office at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust, explains: “These urban areas are really important.

“We’re trying to create more nectar sources for the bees and other insects, which help pollinate our favourite plants, fruits and vegetables. They’re also great food sources for other insects, which are then great food for birds and other animals.

“So there’ll be lots of nice flowers to look at, which will be incredibly pretty, as well as a great boost for the local wildlife.”

Matt Packett is running the project for Staffs Housing: “We chose Moreton House and Bishop’s Court for various reasons.

“At Moreton House there was a lot of vacant land that was underused, and we wanted to create something really nice to admire and add a bit of a spark. At Bishop’s Court the courtyard garden already contains a lot of plants and shrubbery and a lot of the residents like to sit outside their homes and really enjoy the communal area.

“We also held a consultation with the residents, and they told us they took a lot of interest in nature and the plants.”

Gardening work is also happening St Edwards School in Leek, to help encourage and teach school children about nature and wildlife.

The flowers should start to bloom in late June, when the Wildlife Trust and Staffs Housing hope to arrange some events for the tenants and other local residents. These will be confirmed closer to the time as it depends on the COVID-19 situation.