'Living pillars' to be added to city lamp-posts

This is what the lamp-posts could look like once in bloom

A number of lamp-posts in Derby are to have vertical planters installed to help create a "greener" city centre.

The planters, described as "living pillars", will be attached to 15 existing lamp-posts and signage posts.

Each of the pillars is solar-powered, able to collect rain water - making them self-sufficient - and will be planted with pollinator-friendly plants and flowers, Derby City Council said.

Work to install the pillars is currently under way and will be completed later this summer.

One of the pillars has been installed outside Derby City Council's Council House

Carmel Swan, the authority's cabinet member for sustainability, said: "Living pillars will be a brilliant addition to the work we've been doing over the past few months to bring more life into our city centre.

"We're serious about our commitment to creating a greener, healthier city that supports our residents, and the installation of these pillars is another step towards achieving this."

A number of bee-friendly bus stops and "pocket parks" were introduced across the city in 2024.

The pillars have been designed by Scotscape, an urban landscaping company that focuses on improving biodiversity in cities, and are funded by Bauer Media Outdoor's Community Innovation Fund.

According to the council, the pillars will also help to guide people to "key destinations and attractions" in Derby.