A PILOT wild flower planting scheme is to be carried out at a newly-designated village green.

Around 25 varieties of wild flowers are to be planted on a section of bank at Harwich Green, on Harwich seafront, in a bid to attract insects vital for pollination.

The initiative is being carried out by Tendring District Council officers who intend to leave areas of the green uncut throughout the summer. They say if the scheme is successful it is likely to be repeated at other sites in the district.

According to the council, the scheme is in response to concerns about declining insect numbers and, in particular, reports that bee numbers have fallen dramatically across Europe in recent years.

The fall in bee numbers has been attributed to a number of factors, such as the use of pesticides and disease, as well as dwindling habitat.

Councillors say the scheme at Harwich is an attempt to help redress the situation in Tendring and the planting is due to be carried out in the next two weeks.

Tendring’s cabinet member for environment and coast protection, Nick Turner, said the council had been approached about the idea and is willing to trial it on part of Harwich Green.

A sign will be put up at the site to explain why the grass is not being cut. It will also list the various varieties of wild flowers being grown along with details about the reason why the experiment is being carried out.

Mr Turner said: “The council has been asked to give this a go and see how it works out. Officers have devised a planting scheme in consultation with others and we have chosen Harwich Green as the location.

“These plants have been chosen specifically to attract bees and other insects.

“Although this is the first time we have undertaken such a project we will look at other sites if it works out.”

The species of wild flowers to planted include Yarrow, Common Agrimony, Kidney Vetch, Clustered Bellflower and Harebell.

The grass bank will be cut again at the end of the summer season.

Only last week campaigners from the Harwich Society, backed by Tendring Council, won their battle to have Harwich Green designated a village green by Essex County Council.