Do you know your Cowslip from your Corncockle?

Torus are pleased to join the Scouse Flowerhouse movement, born out of work by Liverpool City Council and the National Wildflower Centre at the Eden Project that is connecting areas across Liverpool using wildflowers, to create a mosaic of colour across the city.

Torus has identified locations on its estates in North Liverpool to be part of a programme funded by Liverpool City Region’s Community Fund and managed by Regenerus. These smaller sites in Everton and Kirkdale, act as gateways to flagship sites, such as Everton Park, near Northumberland Terrace, the largest urban meadow in the country.

Last week the project team met with Torus Neighbourhoods and Assets teams, along with members from local community groups at the sites to sow the wildflower seeds.

Richard Scott, Director of the National Wildflower Centre, commented;

“Scouse Flowerhouse is delighted to be working with Torus in 2021 to deliver nature close to home for people in Everton, Anfield and Kirkdale.

“This project is an important step towards creating a thriving mosaic of wildflowers for people and pollinators in Liverpool City Region.

“We look forward to working more in St Helen’s and across the North West with Torus to strengthen our circular economy of wildflower seed and to create high-quality open spaces which bring joy and colour to our local neighbourhoods and estates.

“Partnerships are central to the success of this work and our partners include the Eden Project, National Museums Liverpool, Regenerus and many active schools, community, environment and tenants’ groups.”

The project fits in with Torus’s wider commitment of creating stronger communities, improving their green spaces, investing in homes and reducing carbon emissions, supporting the Liverpool City Region (LCR) goal to become a zero-carbon city region by 2040.

Torus Group Investment Manager, James Doran, added:

“As well as creating a more pleasant environment for our tenants, we hope that the wildflowers will also improve the health and wellbeing of residents whilst providing a range of environmental benefits.

“The project compliments the works Torus are currently undertaking on estates in the area, investing £2.2 million on works to enhance the appearance of the estate and improve 292 tenant’s homes by upgrading the windows and insulation to reduce heat loss from the homes, helping residents to save money on their fuel bills and reduce the carbon footprint of the property too.”

Talking about how the community-based project also offers opportunities for involvement and volunteering for the local community, Torus Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Andy Dillon, said;

“Having the local residents’ groups, such as Westminster Estate Tenants & Residents Association (WETRA) onboard is key to the success of projects like this. They play a vital role not only in its development but in its long-term sustainability in the community.

“It’s also great that it offers a range of volunteer opportunities with training, to help local people develop new skills and boost their CV’s. The project will also be recruiting ‘Local Rangers’ to help with the ongoing management of the site.

“Sadly, community involvement has been restricted due to Covid-19, but we hope to increase involvement as restrictions ease.”

The Torus sites have all been sown with seeds and when they grow, not only will it be beautiful, but it will also benefit the environment. The wildflowers will increase the biodiversity, bringing more birds and insects to the area as well as reducing carbon, as wildflowers capture more carbon than grass alone.

Elaine Doolan from the Local Residents Group WETRA commented;

“We cannot wait for the seeds to grow as we are looking forward to seeing the space transform, giving everyone amazing colour to enjoy.

“It is great to see an area that was once used for bonfires, be a lovely scene and help our environment, as well as the children getting to learn more about the wildflowers in school.”

The Torus sites will be maintained by the Greenspace Team, part of Torus contract partners, HMS.

Find out more about the project at www.scouseflowerhouse.com/headnorth