Thousands of wildflowers planted by volunteers

Thousands of wildflowers have been planted by volunteers to encourage pollinator populations.

Over the past year, groups have been at sites across Eden in Cumbria including Fairhill Recreation Ground in Alston, Carleton Park in Penrith, Otteriggs Field in Salkeld Dykes and Edensyde in Kirkby Stephen.

Eight thousand wildflower plugs were planted, along with wildflower seeds, Westmorland and Furness Council said.

Phil Howarth, a grass cutter who volunteered at one of the sowing and planting days, said it was a "big achievement" and "everyone pitched in and we all got our hands dirty".

The work was part of Cumbria Wildlife Trust's Planting for Pollinators project.

Mr Howarth, who took part in the Edensyde event, said: "Luckily the rain held off, it was a nice day so that's always a bonus.

"People who have volunteered can walk through there and say, 'You know what, I contributed to that'.

"What's a greater feeling than that":[]}