The riverbank in Spalding town centre should be a riot of colour in the spring thanks to a ‘greening’ initiative.
Coir rolls and floating islands have been planted with moisture-loving plants including yellow Flag Iris and Purple Loosestrife on the left riverbank by High Bridge.
The introduction of plants will provide food and shelter for fish, birds and invertebrates to the river.
An installation was delivered by East Mercia Rivers Trust as part of the Spalding Reconnected: Historic Town and Riverside Project.
Led by South Holland District Council, funding came from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Environment Agency and Anglian Water.
The project celebrates the importance of the river and was also an acknowledgement that improvement and investment was needed.
The river channel improvements have also been complemented by wildflower patches along the river, as well as living willow sculptures and other artwork installed by Transported Art.
“I am delighted that the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s support for Spalding Reconnected has made the important project possible, investing in and protecting our beautiful rive and improving the look and feel of the area and town as a whole.
“It has been fantastic to work with our partners, with special thanks to the Crown Estates for their collaboration and East Mercia Rivers Trust for delivering this important environmental project to safeguard and enhance the River Welland,” said Coun Gary Taylor, portfolio holder for community development at SHDC
Nick Jones, programme director at Transported Art said: “We have been delighted to take part in this collaborative project, delivering creative activities and installing new willow artwork and etched way markers. Walking along the riverbank has been enhanced by these artworks.”
* A celebration of Spalding’s waterside is taking place this weekend to mark the work that’s been done as part of Spalding Reconnected.
It takes place at 10am from Saturday, February 8, starting outside Ayscoughfee School outside which the new willow sculptures will be unveiled.
It will include live music, including from Spalding Community Choir, guided talks and refreshments at Ayscoughfee Hall.
