Welcome to Kale St.!
ACA's First Project
Site Statistics
2nd
Green Route Site
800
Items Planted
30
Species Planted
Plants and Wildlife
Kale St. was Ardwick Climate Actions' first site. We are proud of what we have changed for the better. Both nature and the community see benefits.
Below, you will see any plant species you can expect to see...
English Lavender
Lavender has long been used to remedy ailments including, anxiety, insomnia and headaches.
In addition to its benefits to people, planting native lavender in Ardwick helps to support Manchester's pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies.
Cloud Skimmia
Suitable in most habitats, Skimmia is great for local biodiversity. They offer an abundance of benefits for nature, including nectar for pollinators and shelter for insects.
Skimmia works well in several different planting schemes.
Hellebore Argutifolius
Sometimes called the Christmas Rose, Helleborus provides colour in winter.
They are an important species in winter months for insects, providing an important food source.
Red Poppy
Red Poppy's are an incredibly easy-growing plant and can thrive in most environments during the summer months.
They are a great food source for pollinators and for birds later in the year.
Ceanothus
Producing a sea of indigo flowers, Ceanothus is adored by bees and butterflies.
Flowering in summer months, mature ceanothus can also serve as a habitat for birds, with thick branches and dense outer foliage.
Daisy
Bees in particular love daisies.
The centre of a daisy contains 100s of smaller flowers which combine to create an inflorescence, making it easier for bees to collect pollen.
Tulips
Tulips are especially important for solitary male bees. The declining bee population usually references the decline of solitary male bees, which are made up of over 270 species in the UK with global populations serving as the world's most crucial pollinators.
Hawthorne Tree
Hawthorns have a variety of benefits for nature.
Their white flowers are eaten by small mammals and migrating birds like thrushes.
They also provide nectar for pollinators such as bees.
Snowdrops
In warmer winters, snowdrops are an important food source for bees emerging early from hibernation.
They do not rely on pollination. Instead, they reproduce by bulb division and can spread surprisingly quickly given enough time.
English Holly
Holly is critical to insect ecology and aids species throughout their life cycle.
Species found in Manchester such as the Double-Striped Pug and the Holly Tortrix moths lay their eggs on holly, with caterpillars pupating on the plant.
Daffodils
Daffodils became popular during Victoria Britain and have long been associated with the end of winter and early spring.
A hardy plant, daffodils will find most spaces comfortable and little maintenance once planted.
Boarders:
The Orchard
Supported by Sow the City and made possible by JC Decaux, our Kale St. Orchard the fruit is open to the public to collect.
Due to the age of the stock, consumable fruit is expected in 2025/26...
Cherry
Cherry trees produce a sea of blossoms without depleting their surrounding environment. Planting a Cherry supports a vast swath of local wildlife.
A key pollen and food source for insects when in bloom, once the blossom falls, it also supports micro-organisms in the soil on the ground.
Conference Pear
The fruit produced offers a key food source for birds in Manchester, including blackbirds and thrushes.
Pears are high in pectins which are known to lower cholesterol.
Katy Apple
Katy Apples are an incredibly versatile fruit. They are good for eating, juicing, cooking and making cider.
Rich in nectar, they support a wide range of insects and pollinators.
Quince
Quince is a powerful addition for supporting pollinators through their nectar and pollen-rich flowers.
High in antioxidants, quince fruit can help to reduce inflammation and aid chronic diseases.
Ergemont Russet Apple
Ergemont Russet is self-fertile and easy to grow, which makes it a perfect addition to any space that can only house one tree.
They are a long-lasting fruit. If harvested in October, they can last until January.
Holgate Apple
Strictly a cooking variety, Holgate Apples will carry a bitter taste unless cooked, which releases its natural sugar.
They are a great addition to supporting solitary male bees in Manchester.
Ellison's Orange Apple
Perhaps the easiest species of Apple to grow, Ellison's Orange can be planted signally in gardens and will even thrive and produce fruit when grown in a pot. Ellison's Orange supports a vast portion of animals, from birds to insects and pollinators. They are known as the caterpillar plant and support the life cycle of butterflies and moths.
Greengage Plum
An ancient tree, records date back to Francis I of France. Greengage Plum is a versatile fruit and can be eaten straight off the tree with its sweet taste, or made into jams or schnapps.
They are a great addition to any green space and help to support pollinators.
Viola Plum
Viola Plums are known as a wildlife magnate. When planted, they quickly affect biodiversity by attracting insects and mammals.
They are particularly beneficial for hive bees such as bumblebees and honeybees.
Bartlett Pear
In addition to being a great source of fibre, Bartlett Pears are high in vitamin C, K and potassium.
Caterpillars also live in the foliage, providing shelter and nutrients once they pupate.