New signage helps tell the Pollinator Parks® Berry Edge story at Sunderland Enterprise Park

A new interpretation sign at Berry Edge, Sunderland Enterprise Park, is helping visitors understand the important role that wild spaces can play in supporting nature.

‍Climate Action North and SEP Management Co Ltd created Berry Edge to provide a haven for pollinators, birds and other wildlife at Sunderland Enterprise Park.

The new sign, designed and installed by Ian Jones of Insigns, tells the story behind the wild space and how it supports wildlife throughout the year – from flowers that provide food for bees and butterflies in warmer months to seed heads and berries that help feed birds in winter.

It also helps people understand why wild planting areas can sometimes look “messy” and why these spaces are valuable for wildlife.

Berry Edge is part of Climate Action North’s Pollinator Parks® initiative, which works with businesses and organisations to turn outdoor areas into habitats that support biodiversity.

‍ The eye-shaped garden was planted in 2022 and features 266 plants, including 16 trees, four climbers and a wide variety of native wildflowers.

Visitors can scan the QR code on the new sign to find out more about the project.

‍ Sharon Lashley, Managing Director at Climate Action North, said: “Berry Edge demonstrates the importance of creating space for nature wherever we can, including within business environments. The new signage helps people understand the purpose behind the planting and why these wilder spaces are so valuable for biodiversity.

“Through Pollinator Parks®, we want to inspire more organisations to look differently at their outdoor spaces and see how they can help nature recover.”

The project also shows how businesses can play a role in supporting nature.

Angela Rayne, General Manager at SEP Management, said: “Berry Edge is a fantastic example of how business environments can make space for nature while providing welcoming places for the people who work at and visit Sunderland Enterprise Park.

“We’re delighted to have worked with Climate Action North on this project and look forward to seeing the garden continue to develop and benefit local species over the coming years.”

Other Pollinator Parks® gardens created by Climate Action North include the North East BIC, where the first garden was planted in 2019, Dalton Park Outlet Shopping Centre, and Darlington Denes.

To find out more about creating a Pollinator Parks® garden or working with Climate Action North to support biodiversity, email info@climateactionnorth.org.uk

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