PLUGS FOR WILDLIFE

RESIDENTS and students are working with a council contractor to re – establish a wildflower meadow. 

With most of the ancient fields dying out across the country, Grange Linear Park by Woodthorpe in Loughborough is getting a welcome re -introduction of 2000 wildflower plugs to trigger new growth in these most diverse of natural habitats. 

Vital environments for the survival of wildlife these fast-disappearing micro – climates prompted the Haddon Way Residents’ Association to join with the council’s outdoor space contractor id Verde and Loughborough Students’ Union Action members to replant the meadow since it first began ten years ago. 

Id Verde community engagement officer Nicola Clarke said the species of wildflowers are essential to supporting wildlife including insects such as bees and butterflies and small mammals and birds. 

“Grass is invasive and this meadow, planted around ten years ago has now been taken over by it so this latest round of putting in plant plugs common to local hayfields such as lady smock, oxeye daisy, cowslip and lady’s bedstraw should strengthen the ecosystem,” said Nicola.  

She explained the grass is currently too nutrient – rich for any remaining wildflowers to thrive and this latest re – introduction should create a more sustainable and mutually – beneficial environment for all wildlife. Wildflowers need unstable environments to survive otherwise it’s too competitive for them with only a few species dominating, 

The programme is running over ten days. 

A single healthy meadow can support over one hundred different species of flowers. 

97 per cent of the UK’s ancient wildflower meadows have disappeared as towns and cities expand and farming practices changed. Intensive farming with high use of pesticides and fertilisers caused this decline over the last century. With farmers now encouraged to do more to sustain them, ones such as Grange Linear Park create a pleasant oasis for residents of the adjacent estate.  

Dave from Rothley came on a date with his girlfriend, a teacher from Nottingham and said they are keen to learn how they can do more to support the environment.  

“We’ve been seeing each other for nine months and like to get together for eco – activities,” said Dave.