Behind every thriving route on the National Cycle Network are the people who care for it. Across the UK, volunteers give their time, energy and enthusiasm to help create places that are safer, greener and more enjoyable for everyone who walks, wheels and cycles.
For three years, a dedicated group of volunteers has been transforming a section on Route 1 into a vibrant wildflower haven. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
On Route 1 between Redcar and Saltburn, for the past three years, a dedicated group of Walk Wheel Cycle Trust staff members and volunteers has been transforming a section of the route into a vibrant wildflower haven.
"Being involved in preparing the ground and sowing the seeds has also given me a real appreciation for the community spirit that comes from working together", local Walk Wheel Cycle Trust volunteer Michael says.
"It’s amazing to see how a small amount of time and effort from each volunteer can create something that has such a big impact, not only providing a beautiful splash of colour for residents and visitors using the National Cycle Network, but also creating a welcome home for insects and other wildlife."
"And perhaps the best part is cycling past the meadow when it’s in bloom and being able to smile, knowing that I helped make this little corner of our area what it is."
What was once a plain patch of land becomes a colourful display of wildflowers, welcoming thousands of people who use this Route each year. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
Blooming the way over three years
Every year, the team meets up and cycles together to the site.
Armed with rakes, wildflower seeds and plenty of community spirit, they set to work preparing the soil and carefully sowing the seeds that will later burst into colour.
And their favourite part is the dancing; it has become something of a tradition.
With laughter, smiles and a little bit of dancing, the group stomps the ground to help the seeds settle into the soil.
"I’d been spending a lot of time with family or on my own and although I really enjoy my own company, I realised I was feeling insulated and wanted more connection with new people", Michelle says.
"I love walking and cycling and being outdoors and around nature, so when the opportunity to volunteer with the wild planting project came up with Walk Wheel Cycle Trust Thursday bike rides it felt like a lovely way of bringing those things together, meeting new people, being outside and doing something positive."
"On the day we planted the wildflowers we met a lot of passers by who were interested in what we were doing so would stand and chat for a while and it felt like it was a lovely community experience."
People power change
From helping to maintain the National Cycle Network to surveying wildlife, volunteers like you make a real difference across the UK.
Whether you can give a few hours or more time, we've got volunteering opportunities to suit everyone.
Armed with plenty of community spirit, the volunteers set to work preparing the soil and carefully sowing the seeds that will later burst into colour. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
A few months later, the transformation is remarkable.
"Later on in the year on one of the Thursday bike rides we revisited the area which had been transformed into a beautiful wildflower meadow", Michelle says.
What was once a plain patch of land becomes a colourful display of wildflowers, welcoming thousands of people who use this section of Route 1 each year.
The blooms add beauty to everyday journeys, creating moments of surprise and delight for commuters, families and leisure users alike.
They provide valuable habitats for pollinators and encourage people to pause, take in their surroundings and connect with nature.
The colourful display is a reminder that even small acts of care can make a big difference, helping people feel more connected to the places where they live.
"The best part is cycling past the meadow when it’s in bloom and being able to smile, knowing that I helped make this little corner of our area what it is", Michael says. Credit: Walk Wheel Cycle Trust
This fantastic project is a powerful example of what can happen when people come together to make a difference.
Projects like this happen because of dedicated volunteers who care about their local communities.
Whether they're planting wildflowers, helping maintain routes, carrying out surveys or supporting local events, volunteers make an enormous difference every day.
To our local heroes: thank you. Your efforts are enabling millions of people across the UK to walk, wheel and cycle.
