ODA Chairman John Armitt visits Norfolk to see the wetland plants that will be planted in the Olympic ParkAround 30 species of native reeds, rushes, grasses, sedges, wet wildflowers and irises were grown in a nursery in Wales before being moved to Thetford, where they are now being grown in waterbeds and pallets. They will be planted in the Olympic Park from spring 2010. A third of these were grown from cuttings and seeds collected in and around the Olympic Park before construction started in 2008.
Visiting Norfolk today, Olympic Delivery Authority Chairman John Armitt said: ‘The plants growing in Norfolk will help regenerate the Olympic Park waterways to create habitats for wildlife and help “future proof” the Park and surrounding built-up areas against climate change and flooding. Wetlands, ponds, swales and widened rivers bristling with plants will help manage flood water and create fantastic new spaces for the public and wildlife.
‘We are on track to start creating the parklands and planting trees shortly. This contract is another great example of companies across the UK helping to deliver the London 2012 Games by working directly for the ODA or our contractors.’
Visitors to the Park during and after the Games will enjoy sloping riverbanks, new riverside cycle and footpaths, wetlands, reed beds, ditches, ponds and rare wet woodlands. The wetland plants in these areas will create new habitats for a range of native and rare species.
