Last week six beautiful planters full of flowers were installed in Richmond centre in an effort to attract pollinating insects like bees.

The planters are located in Golden Court and Church Court lanes, and four outside Richmond Station and were installed by Be Richmond and Richmond Council.

They are filled with pollinator-friendly greening and are maintained by local environment charity Habitats & Heritage.

Be Richmond told Nub News: "Last week, Be Richmond installed a series of new planters in Richmond Town centre as part of an ongoing 'Green Trails' project, which aims to bring more greenery and colour to our streets.

"The project is one of a portfolio of initiatives proposed in the Future Vision for Richmond document - a study commissioned by Be Richmond to identify ways to improve the town centre in years to come.

"There are six new planters located in the historic lanes of Golden Court and Church Court, and four just outside Richmond Station.

"They are filled with varieties that have been carefully chosen to attract pollinating insects and support local wildlife, and will be maintained by local environment charity Habitats and Heritage.

"In due course, the planters outside the station will feature wayfaring information to help visitors explore our wonderful town."

Richmond Council partnered with Be Richmond, the Business Improvement District for Richmond town centre, to fund and install the new planters, which have been carefully designed to complement and enhance the existing streetscape.

The designs for Church Court include low-level planters, green screens, large oval steel planters with seating and new benches. Golden Court has two new planters in two recessed areas.

Have your say

Residents are invited to share their comments on the new pollinator-friendly planters by going to the consultation page HERE. This will help dictate future greening schemes in the borough.

Councillor Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: "We want Richmond town centre to be an attractive, clean and sustainable place for people to enjoy spending time in.

"The pandemic has been problematic for town centres and innovative designs and improvements will be key to bringing people back to their town centres and ensure they remain important community and business hubs.

"Local residents and businesses know their town centre best so please take the time to share your comments on the new pollinator-friendly planters."

Have your say on the planters on the consultation page HERE

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