Home / Environment / Devon Blooms: Parks Turn Into Wildflower Havens
Devon Blooms: Parks Turn Into Wildflower Havens
29 Nov
Summary
- Devon's parks are being transformed into 11 new urban mini wildflower meadows.
- The initiative aims to boost local biodiversity and support crucial pollinators.
- Partnerships with community groups and volunteers are driving the meadow project.
South Hams District Council in Devon is leading an initiative to convert selected public green spaces into vibrant wildflower meadows. This ambitious project will establish 11 new urban mini meadows, aiming to substantially enhance local biodiversity and create vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife. The council has already seen benefits from relaxed mowing regimes on some sites.
The transformation involves preparing the ground by removing top layers and sowing locally sourced perennial wildflower mixes, notably including yellow rattle. Councillor John Kay highlighted the dual benefits of brightening public spaces and providing crucial ecological support. The project is a partnership with ParkLife South West CIC and local volunteers, funded by planning contributions dedicated to biodiversity enhancement.
This effort addresses the significant loss of Britain's wildflower meadows, with Keith Rennells of ParkLife emphasizing the importance of creating new habitats. The newly established meadows are expected to support a rich array of insects, birds, and small mammals, with signage to inform the public about the project's goals and benefits. Future expansion of the scheme is also being considered.
