Friends of the Hollows is a like minded community group interested in preserving and improving Newton Hollows – an old Roman road that dates from c49 AD leading from Deva Victrix (Chester) to Veratinum (Warrington/Wilderspool)
You can read a little of the history of the Hollows by following this link
Friends of the Hollows have devised a phased regeneration programme working with local schools, Chester Zoo, Big Heritage and Cheshire West and Chester Council.
The first phase of the plan includes building and installing planters for growing food plants, herb and flowers that are connected with the Romans in Britain at the entrance to the Newton Hollows path at Elmwood Avenue, Hoole. You can find out more about the foods and herbs the Romans brought to Britain by following this link.
These plants are also known to be beneficial for pollinating insects and strengthen the biodiversity in the area, one of the aims of the project.
There will also be some limited planting of food bearing trees associated with the Romans, such as Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry, whose blossoms and tree habitats are beneficial for insects and birds.
The Romans brought with them the skills of cultivating fruit trees and the technique of grafting fruit and nut trees to provide consistency of fruiting. Through this method desirable varieties could be propagated.
Succesful fundraising
During 2022 Friends of the Hollows successfully raised almost £6,000 through the Spacehive platform and this has enabled us to develop our plans for this beautiful path.
Follow this link to the Friends of Newton Hollows Spacehive page to find out more about the project and how we will be spending the money raised.
Update 2023
Three planters have now been constructed at the Elmwood Avenue end of The Hollows shortly to be followed by ‘sharing tables’ which will enable people to donate plants, seedlings or produce for all to share.
Design work is now under way for signage to be placed onto the planters and the planting of fruit trees, woodland bulbs and sowing of wildflower areas will be complete by early Spring 2023.
We have been succesful in applying for some apple trees under the Community Orchards Initiative sponsored by Thatchers Cider Company. These will be planted in March 2023 as part of the Roman foods theme of the Narrows project.
