4,000 daffodils for historic Great Barr park after South Staffs Water donation
More than 4,000 daffodils have been planted at a historic Black Country park after a donation by a water company.
The yellow flowers have been planted on a grass verge bordering Merrions Wood in Great Barr, on the Walsall side of the border.
The woodland is located on the Grade-ll listed parkland at Chapel Lane.
Chapel Lane formed part of the Great Barr Hall estate which in the late 1700s was used by the Lunar Society.
South Staffs Water made a £500 donation to the Friends of Merrions Wood, a group of volunteers which looks after the woodland. They were able to purchase and plant the daffodil bulbs.
The donation came after a new water main was installed in Chapel Lane last summer in 2019. It was to say thank you for residents for their assistance and patience while the work took place.
The work involved the installation of a new 300mm main alongside the existing 1000mm water main situated in the listed parkland adjacent to the highway, which involved a road closure and diversion for three months.
Robert Withers, chairman of Friends of Merrions Wood, said: “As a retired building surveyor, I observed that the contract was well managed and carefully executed by South Staffs Water and their main contractor, Network Plus, with minimal disruption to residents. We are extremely grateful to South Staffs Water for the donation and to Network Plus who undertook the trench work prior to planting. This project will greatly enhance this environmentally sensitive area.
“I had wanted to carry out this project for some time and the generous donation to the Friends Group made it possible, as it funded the purchase of 4,500 daffodil bulbs planted by members, as well as the forthcoming installation of 20 bird boxes in the Ancient Woodland, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy. I’d like to thank everyone involved.”
Paul Minto, works co-ordinator, at South Staffs Water, said: “We really appreciate the patience of all the residents while we carried out the work. This donation was a way of thanking them but also creating a floral display, which everyone can enjoy for years to come.”
