Planting bulbs for biodiversity at Sandviken’s City Park

Nurturing pollinator habitats and inspiring young environmentalists

The Sandviken Spring Bulb Spree introduced new swaths of native perennial flowers to the city’s primary park. These flowers play a crucial role in supporting various species of pollinating insects in need of nectar during the early spring. And when pollinating insects thrive, so do the many other species that depend on these insects for their survival—predatory insects, birds, and flowers. In this way, the planting of spring bulbs in Sandviken’s Stadsparken has increased the resilience of the surrounding urban ecosystems.

As part of the planting event, Fältbiologerna and Rapatac held an introductory educational workshop to introduce youth volunteers to the fundamental concepts of ecosystem services and nature care. The Sandviken Municipality and Sandvikenhus, the public housing company, contributed expertise to ensure a successful planting. Nonprofit Insektlandet led volunteers in a project to build small shelters for pollinating insects. “In addition to planting bulbs, they have built small bee hotels that they can take home,” explains Marita Grufvik, project manager for Insektlandet. Grufvik says both efforts will help “ensure that there will be both food and housing for pollinating insects.”

Over 170 youth aged 6 through 25 participated in the planting days alongside family members, gaining hands-on experience working with plants and building a sense of community around caring for their city park.

For the youth involved, the planting event was all about community, fun, and learning about nature. “I learned to plant!” said youth volunteer Haeen, age 10. Lilly, 12, added, “I made new friends. It was fun.” Anina, 10, “played guitar for all the kids who planted here in the city park. It was so much fun!” Bringing together education and a hands-in-the-dirt community project, the Spring Bulb Spree was intended to inspire youth to care for their environment. Saathvick, age 11, reflected: “I feel so assured that we have a better environment now. It was so much fun to plant! It is good that we planted, because we took care of the environment.” Looking ahead, Saathvick observed: “We need to do more! For example, we can plant trees.”

Fostering a connection to the urban landscape

The Sandviken bulb planting event took place as part of Rapatac’s ongoing “Somewhere in Sandviken” initiative , which aims to enhance the knowledge of Sandviken’s urban heritage, including its history, architecture, culture, and sustainability. Both Rapatac and Fältbiologerna are continuing to engage young people in nature care and ecosystem restoration activities.

By helping their community to bloom and thrive, Sandviken’s youth gain a deeper understanding of their city as part of an ecosystem that thrives under the care of its residents. At the same time, they cultivate a sense of personal responsibility towards the environment, leading to a more sustainable and vibrant community. Joakim Andren of Fältbiologerna reflects: “It is so important to come together to do these positive constructive things together and then we will see this clear difference in a few months of how we have changed the City Park.”

The Sandviken Spring Bulb Spree brought the community together to learn about their environment, care for its ecosystems, and have fun together.  “The feedback from the children, youth, and their parents in Sandviken has been overwhelmingly positive,” reflects Maria Shishkanova, project manager of Rapatac. “Thanks to the support of Microsoft, Rapatac and Fältbiologerna were able to create a truly special day for the young people of Sandviken. This event not only offered a wonderful learning opportunity, but also helped raise environmental awareness, empowering the participants to contribute to the ecological well-being of their city.” And that ecological benefit persists, with the return each spring of crocuses and daffodils welcoming park visitors and sustaining wildlife.