Voluntary and community groups are being encouraged to join the campaign by applying for bundles of bulbs to plant locally in time for next spring.

In previous years, East Suffolk Council has gifted bulbs to a number of groups in the north of the district, via commercial partner East Suffolk Norse.

For 2023, the scheme will be opened up for any voluntary and community group across the entire district to plant bulbs on public land.

East Suffolk Blooms officially gets underway in February – with groups required to complete a simple application form by 31 May, ahead of a decision panel meeting to determine applications in June.

Successful groups will then be invited to collect their bulbs from depots in either Ufford or Lowestoft in early November.

A different variety of bulbs will be on offer, in limited number, each year. For 2023, the bulbs will be a variety of narcissus, available in bundles of 500, although groups may apply for more than one bundle.

Cllr James Mallinder, campaign champion and East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for the Environment, said: “This is another example of our commitment to ensuring we champion and enhance our natural environments.

“Aside from creating a patchwork of colour, this campaign will generate a new network of pollinators across East Suffolk.

“I would encourage voluntary and community groups to join the campaign and help East Suffolk bloom. Together, we can ensure the environmental sustainability of our communities and create a lasting legacy.”

Click here to join the East Suffolk Blooms bulb planting scheme.