Back to Blogs
Discover
Enjoy the Wildflower Labrinth at the Abbey Ruins
A wildflower labyrinth has been planted in the Abbey Gardens, Bury St Edmunds, to attract bees, butterflies and encourage greater biodiversity.
The 36m diameter labyrinth, designed to celebrate 1000 years since the founding of the Abbey of St Edmund, has been planted on the site of the former tennis courts. It will mark the east end of the Abbey of St Edmund offering views of the Abbey Church and the rest of the Abbey Ruins all around. New tennis courts opened in another part of the Abbey Gardens on 1 July.
The wildflowers planted in the spring, contain a mix of perennial herbaceous plants including Blackeyed Susan, Sea Holly, Yarrow and Yellow Ox Eye. They have been planted by West Suffolk Council as part of its work with the Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership.
Next week, the Council’s Cabinet is due to discuss a final report from its climate change and environment task force that has been looking at what the council can do, influence and lobby for to bring about environmental and biodiversity improvements and address climate change. A number of councillors have already backed community projects in their area to create better wildlife habitats.
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said: “The Wildflower Labyrinth is just one of many examples of the work that we, in partnership with others in the community, can do and are delivering to improve local biodiversity. Once it is in bloom, this Labyrinth will not only add to the beautiful colours of the Abbey Gardens, but attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators benefitting wildlife, and improve our environment. The former Abbey is of course an area where people can come to relax and reflect amid both the beauty of nature and the stonework of our history. The Gardens, and other parks and open spaces we manage, are great places to visit, enjoy a walk and mentally recharge and I’m sure the Wildflower Labyrinth will add to that enjoyment.”
The Abbey of St Edmund Heritage Partnership support the project.
Reverend Canon Matthew Vernon, chairman of the Partnership said: “The Wildflower Labyrinth was planned as part of a wider celebration of the Abbey’s 1000 years much of which of course has had to be rescheduled due to Covid19. But the labyrinth will still be something that people can come and safely enjoy as the flowers begin to show in the late summer.
“Labyrinths are a spiritual exercise encouraging reflection and contemplation. Part of many traditions, they are associated with pilgrimage, such as the medieval labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France. Down the centuries, visitors came to the Abbey of St Edmund to be more aware of God. The Wildflower Labyrinth continues that tradition on this sacred site.” and home made Jams.”
Related Blogs
News
Discover Suffolk's County…
Did you know that Suffolk has a county flower? The…
News
Walks at Rougham
Rougham Estate offers 18 miles of public footpaths,…
News
Cycle the Wolf Way
Winding its way around many of the best bridleways,…
News
Perfect Picnic Spots
With stunning countryside and gardens, there are many…
News
A weekend of cycling in Bury…
Take a look at some of the best cycle routes in the…
Latest news
News
Bury St Edmunds Parks awarded Green Flag Status!
Bury St Edmunds Parks awarded Green Flag status!
News
New Sightseeing PedalCab Rides Launched to Delight Visitors to Bury St Edmunds this Summer
Join Ecocarriers Bury St Edmunds for a Bury's Best, By Bike PedalCab rides around the town's iconic historic sights!
News
Abbey Gardens in Top 20 Most Visited Free Attractions in England and Top in the East of England
The historic Abbey Gardens in Bury St Edmunds with the ruins of the Abbey of St Edmund is in the Top 20 most visited free attractions in England and the top free attraction in the East of…
News
Unmissable Events for Families this Summer
Whether you're heading here for a summer holiday or simply looking for a fun day out, these unmissable family events and activities are sure to keep everyone entertained!
News
Get Ready for Theatre in The Parks This Summer
The popular outdoor theatre season returns for 2024 with a new programme of performances in the beautiful Abbey Gardens and West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village.
News
Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides in the top 10% of attractions worldwide
Reviews of Bury St Edmunds Tour Guides via Tripadvisor have resulted in them being rated in the top 10% attractions worldwide, classing them as a winner in the Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024.
News
Suffolk Regiment Museum Re-Opens After Refurbishment
The Suffolk Regiment Museum has reopened its doors to visitors after an eight-month long refurbishment.
News
The Angel Hotel Launches a new Dickens-themed themed afternoon tea experience
The Angel Hotel launches new themed afternoon tea experience based on the life & works of Charles Dickens.
News
Cathedral Launches Three Gins
St Edmundsbury Cathedral has partnered with Heart of Suffolk Distillery to produce three Cathedral-inspired gins.