Lancaster residents asked to get involved in bee project to help make a meadow in the streets

The Fairfield Association has been putting together window boxes for residents without much outdoor space, in the hope that homes around the area will have their own mini nature reserve.

Thanks to funding from a grant, the association is now giving out the boxes to any households who want to take advantage and help out with the initiative.

They have been ready-planted with bee-friendly species of plants, and it is hoped they will be placed on windowsills in the Fairfield area to attract more bees.

A spokesman for the association said: "We all know that the bee population is under threat. But now the Fairfield Association that administers the Fairfield nature reserve is making available window boxes so that even the Victorian terraced houses of the Fairfield area can become a nature reserve.

"Supported by a grant from Transpennine Express, we have a limited supply of the boxes planted with bee friendly native species that local households can request.

"The idea is that along with a new wildflower meadow in the Fairfield play area, we can close the nectar gap on our streets, even if the houses have limited or no garden area."

If you live in the area and wish to apply for a box, on a first come first served basis, please email [email protected] or ring 01524 63890.

The boxes are free but donations to the association are gratefully accepted.

They will be available for pickup from the Fairfield Association shed between the bottom of Sunnyside Lane and the orchard.on Wednesday April 28 and Saturday May 1.

If you can't manage to collect the boxes, a team of volunteers will be on hand to deliver them where needed.