AN environmental group is aiming to make their village more wildlife friendly as they aim to retain their Northumbria-in-Bloom gold status.
Middleton-in-Teesdale won the gold award for the second year on the trot last year thanks to the dedication of a band of volunteers who meet every Monday to tidy up and beautify the village.
In their latest endeavour, five new crabapple trees have been planted among various green spaces.
Middleton-in-Bloom organiser Pam Phillips said the planting was done under the guidance of the village’s parish council and Raby Estates, which owns the green.
She added: “We chose crabapples because they blossom in the spring and produce small apples in the autumn for the birds. They are good for wildlife and they are not huge trees.”
Despite getting gold in last year’s competition thanks to its high score during the summer judging, the spring judging was not quite as positive.
It is hoped the crabapples will improve the village’s rating.
Also currently underway is the beautifying of Burn Bank. Mrs Phillips said: “It is a bit of land that is privately owned, but we have permission to plant some wildflowers. There are a lot of weeds in there, so it is not going to be an overnight process.”
She praised the work of the group volunteers who give up their time each week in support of the village.
Anyone interested in helping out can contact Mrs Phillips on 01833 640631.
