Dalton Park Outlet Shopping destination in County Durham is transforming part of its outdoor area into an ecological oasis, with the help of Climate Action North, a community interest organisation.
Over 250 wildflower plants suitable for bees, butterflies and birds will be planted in the centre on the 2nd April. It is the first in a planned series of phases to create outdoor spaces at Dalton Park to help a wide range of species thrive and flourish.
The meadow will be located at the east entrance, next to the M&S Outlet as part of Climate Action North’s Pollinator Parks initiative, which is gearing up to rewild business and retail parks throughout the North of England.
Jerry Hatch, Centre Manager at Dalton Park, said: “We have a responsibility to nurture biodiversity and here at Dalton Park we’re helping to do that by creating safe spaces for a wide range of species to flourish. These meadows will be a colourful, welcoming and attractive landscape for our customers, hardworking staff and retailers to enjoy.”
Climate Action North’s Managing Director, Sharon Lashley, said: “Dalton Park is the first retail park in the North to be introducing a wildflower meadow and we’re delighted to be supporting this important work. Wildflower meadows act as habitats for pollinator insects, such as bees and butterflies, whose functions are estimated to be worth £690 million each year to the UK’s economy alone. It’s crucial that we take action and rewild outdoor areas to introduce safe havens for them.”
Sharon added: “Our Pollinator Parks initiative is a fantastic example of small-scale rewilding and demonstrates how we can practically support and care for our wildlife and repair the broken ecosystems.
The Pollinator Park initiative was launched at the North East Business Innovation Centre (BIC) in Sunderland last year, and is sponsored by Washington-based Solar Panel installers AR Power.
