First Choice Homes Oldham is creating a buzz with nature friendly zones

First Choice Homes Oldham is creating a buzz with nature friendly zones

Neighbourhoods in Oldham are set to bloom with wildflowers, thanks to local housing association, First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO).

FCHO’s Neighbourhood Care team has been busy planting nature friendly zones with ‘bee bombs’ and a selection of wildflower seeds in areas across the borough to bring a burst of colour, attract bees and insects and boost natural habitat for wildlife.

David Wrigley, FCHO Head of Neighbourhood Care, said: “The wildflower plots will bring all kinds of benefits – provide a haven for bees, butterflies, bugs and birds; encourage more local people to connect with nature; and help us create an attractive environment for our customers to live.

"I’m looking forward to seeing the plots bloom and hearing what our customers think of them.”

FCHO has planted the wildflower seeds in sections of communal grass in Bardsley, Glodwick, Sholver, Chadderton, Shaw and Royton. 

It will take around two growing seasons (18 months) for the wildflower plots to grow colourful flowers and flourish, so customers can expect to see flowers and wildlife by the end of summer and next spring.

The wildflower planting is the latest initiative from FCHO to help reduce its environmental impact while providing customers with good quality places to live.

Plans for the new bee bombs were already in the pipeline, but they were set in stone following suggestions from customers who were asking for more wildlife-friendly areas across FCHO-owned parts of the borough.

Simon Davies, FCHO Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Manager, added: “Customers are increasingly telling us that they want to see us use greener ways of working and we are responding to this. 

"Improving our environmental performance is one of our priorities and we’re currently developing a sustainability strategy that will help us deliver benefits for our customers, the local borough and the planet.”

For more information, visit: www.fcho.co.uk

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.