North Herts Council has planted thousands of bulbs and dozens of new trees across the district – including sites in Hitchin – as part of a major programme to enhance local green spaces and support wildlife.

More than 22,000 bulbs have been planted in parks over the past month, with Howard Park in Letchworth receiving varieties such as Narcissus 'Pheasant Eye' and Camassia 'Caerulea'. These early-spring blooms will provide vital support for pollinators while creating colourful displays for residents to enjoy.

At Avenue Park in Baldock, the council has introduced drifts of bulbs alongside a perennial wildflower mix designed to offer colour from early spring through summer. The nectar-rich planting will help pollinators thrive and increase biodiversity across the district.

148 new trees for towns including Hitchin

The bulb planting forms part of a much wider tree-planting effort. This season, the council will install 148 standard and heavy-standard trees in Letchworth, Hitchin, Baldock and Royston. Locations include parks, highway verges, cemeteries and car parks.

Species such as alder, field maple, birch, hornbeam, beech, cherry, pear and rowan have been selected for their resilience and strong biodiversity value. Additional woodland whips and community group plantings are also planned later in the year.

Making North Herts greener

Cllr Amy Allen, Executive Member for Environment, said: "These projects are part of our ongoing efforts to make North Herts greener, more sustainable, and better for wildlife. By planting bulbs, wildflowers, and trees, we're creating spaces that residents can enjoy while supporting pollinators and boosting biodiversity."

Find your nearest green space

Residents can now easily discover local parks and green areas — including Hitchin's Priory Gardens, Bancroft, and Butts Close — through the council's new North Herts Council app.

The app's 'Find My Nearest' feature lists nearby greenspaces and parks. It is available on both Apple and Android devices: simply search 'North Herts Council' in the App Store or Google Play.