Greener and cleaner new look for Bootle’s Washington Parade

Bootle’s Washington Parade is getting a greener and cleaner new look thanks to ward councillors and the area’s community gardeners.

Linacre Ward elected members, Cllrs John Fairclough and Christine Maher have joined forces with the Taking Root in Bootle Network to fund the installation of 16 new planters on this busy road behind the town’s Strand shopping centre.

Taking Root – which is co-ordinated by Bootle-based social enterprise Regenerus – aims to create more local green spaces, grow food, promote biodiversity and build friendships between the people involved.

The new planters – which will complement the existing living wall nearby – are part of plans to create a green corridor from Bootle Canalside to North Park, enhancing the look of the area as well as improving air quality.

They were installed this week with the help of children from local school All Saints Catholic Primary who were delighted to come along and get involved with the planting, as they know how important the role of nature is in enhancing air quality.

The pupils had even made signs for the planters to get this important message across to passers-by.

The hedging plants in the new containers have been chosen following careful research into which types are best for absorbing carbon.

They have been planted in a special mixed medium which includes Carbon Gold Enriched Biochar, an organic product which allows trees to build up their own natural resilience and helps with water retention and drainage.

In addition, every kilogram used sequesters around three kilograms of carbon, making an important contribution to improving air quality.

Cllr Christine Maher commented: “On behalf of my fellow Linacre Ward members I’d like to say how delighted we are that together with Taking Root and the children from All Saints Catholic Primary we are adding more planting along Washington Parade.”

“It’s great that this community installation will increase biodiversity and boost air quality, and we hope that local residents will enjoy the greener feel as they walk along the road in the months and years ahead.”