Friends of the Hollows is a like minded community group interested in preserving and improving Newton Hollows - a old Roman pathway from c49AD. This will be a phased regeneration programme working with local schools, Chester zoo, Big Heritage and CWaC council. This is the first phase of a wider regeneration plan and includes installing planters for food plants, herbs that are connected with the Romans in Britain and the planting of food bearing trees associated with the Romans.

What we'll deliver:

• A community food source
• A place to dwell and promote health and well being
• A community focal point for all ages and backgrounds

Why it's a great idea:

Since the recent improvements the Hollows has become an even bigger part of peoples daily health and well being walks. We can only build on this by the phased programme of regeneration planned. That starts with the planters and an initial planting scheme along the route that will eventually lead to wildlife walks to highlight the plants and habitats to be found.

Steps to get it done:

• Recruit volunteers for work parties
• Order materials
• Build planters (volunteers) & fill with soil & plant up with donated plants
• Design & create signage for planters
• Prepare mini widlfower meadows & seed & plant bulbs along meadows
• Plant fruit trees with protectors
• Fix signage to planters and arrange opening event with associated publicity
• Celebrate Opening

There are a number of foods and plants that the Romans brought to Britain in the 1st Century AD which were hitherto unknown by ancient Britons. These include Fennel, Coriander and a number of other culinary herbs. Cultivated apples and pears also were introduced, with techniques having spread from the origins of apple trees in central Asia. There will be a combination of planting within the planters built through volunteer effort, the planting of fruit trees and creation and management of small areas of wildflower meadows, including native woodland bulb planting along the length of the route. This is intended to form an attractive and interesting piece of local heritage whilst improving the wildlife habitats to be found along the path.