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Wildlife Ways, Helping to Make Solihull Greener

Solihull Council
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Solihull Council | 2019 - 2021 |

Helping to make Solihull greener

Making small changes that will have a huge impact for cycling and walking, wildlife, businesses, habitats and a new wildlife-friendly infrastructure.

More projects for Solihull Council

The project

Wildlife Ways is a programme of works to make Solihull greener by opening up and improving existing paths and cycle routes whilst allowing wildlife to flourish. The project has improved 69km of existing footpath and cycle networks. There are 23km of new footways and improved access for cyclists. The routes have all been landscaped and link, where possible, existing green spaces and offer sustainable transport options. The project has improved the habitat value of 56 hectares of parks and open spaces for the benefit of people and wildlife – that’s the equivalent of more than 90 football pitches!

Project aim

To create a landscape to help Solihull’s local wildlife thrive and native species survive.

Over the next few years, the projects will make small changes that will have a huge impact for cycling and walking, wildlife, businesses, habitats and a new wildlife-friendly infrastructure.

The story so far

idverde planted 2.7 million bulbs during autumn 2019 and Solihull residents were treated to spectacular displays of crocuses, snowdrops and native daffodils along roads and in parks the following spring. This autumn, idverde has planted anther million bulbs, bringing even more colour to Solihull’s parks, verges and open spaces for spring 2021.

Other elements of the project include:

  • Planting 1,000 trees
  • Laying a combined 75,000m2 of Pictorial Meadow and wildflower turf
  • 100,000m2 wildflower seeding
  • A large variety of bed planting, hedgerow planting and Hedera screening

The project is not only well on the way to achieving its main goals of utilising and improving the local area, it has also brought the community together, with several volunteer groups and residents getting involved with the regeneration of their neighbourhoods.

What do local people think?

“I just wanted to say how much pleasure the Wildlife Ways project has given me and how it lifted mine and other people’s spirits during lockdown.”

“Keep up the fantastic work, Solihull is looking blooming.”

“…complimenting the wonderful displays around the borough… they look beautiful. You have done a great job.”

“I am really impressed by the development of the Wildlife Ways in Solihull. They look absolutely brilliant and I am sure will be of long-lasting benefit to the area.”

“Everyone involved should be proud of what has been, and is being, achieved. Thank you for looking after our surroundings.”