Wildflowers along York's city walls to be cut back

As part of the York Walls in Bloom project, volunteers and council teams use traditional Austrian hand scythes to cut back the flowers once they’ve gone to seed, helping to ensure they return the following year.

Cuttings are composted and later shared with residents during giveaway days.

Cllr Jenny Kent, executive member for environment and climate emergency, said: "We’ve had a great summer of colour at Station Rise and we are still seeing people stop to take pictures.

"To ensure another beautiful display next year, we need to manage the area slightly differently.

"Hand scything will help prevent grass from taking over, help support a variety of beautiful flowers to grow, and protect wildlife.

"Huge thanks to our council team, St Nicks, York Cares, York businesses, and all volunteers for bringing our City Walls to life and helping nature flourish."

Jonathan Dent, green corridors manager at St Nicks, added: "This is about changing how we manage green spaces to increase biodiversity without losing what people love about them.

"It’s about coming together as a city to make a difference—and depending on the success here, we can start to look at other areas too."

Find out more at www.york.gov.uk/YorkWallsInBloom.