Local Roots

Information about the Royal Horticultural Societys' chosen theme for Britian in Bloom 2008.

For Britain in Bloom 2008 the Royal Horticultural Society has chosen the theme ‘Local Roots’.

What does this mean for Stevenage, Britain’s first new town?

Stevenage was designed with a great deal of emphasis on green space. Existing features such as hedgerows, lanes, ponds, ancient woodlands, veteran trees and archaeological features were retained and used to create open space and wildlife corridors, many of which still exist today.

Six Hills Roman Burial Mounds

The Six Hills are classed as an ancient monument and form the most complete Roman barrow (burial mounds) group in the country. Beside their historical value, they also home plants not found in more modern grasslands nearby, eg birds-foot trefoil and harebells.

Mature and Veteran Trees

A large number of old trees were retained during the development of the town, and many of these are now protected to ensure their future.The trees are growing in locations throughout Stevenage including a back garden in Shephall, in the grounds of MBDA and the Premier Hotel, plus 200-year old yew trees at St Mary Church and Fairlands Valley Farmhouse.

Green Lanes

The green lanes in Stevenage make a valuable contribution to the local network of pedestrian and cycle routes. With many containing lengths of ancient hedgerow, they also make a valuable contribution to wildlife habitats.

Shephall and Broadwater lanes are notable green lanes worth a stroll.

Ancient Woodland

Stevenage has some 200-acres of woodland, much of it classed as ancient. Management through coppicing, as practiced in significant areas of woodland prior to the development of the town, creates valuable and diverse habitats.

Future management plans will include a move back to more coppicing.

The In Bloom Forum will be celebrating these important local features and will be showing the Britain in Bloom judges how they are an important part of the town’s local green heritage and local roots.

For more about the town’s green heritage look out for these two events:

Woodland Nature Walk
Wednesday 23rd April, 6.00pm, at Whomerley Wood
If you wish to take part please telephone: 01438 242323
email: inbloom@stevenage.gov.uk

Places are limited and are offered on a first come first served basis.

Heritage Cycle-ride
Saturday 31st May - Details to be confirmed.