Gardeners in Hampshire are being encouraged to grow their own wildflower meadow this autumn by the RSPB.
The charity is responding to the news that Kew Gardens has launched the UK Native Seed Hub, which aims to provide seeds and advice on growing wildflower meadows to conservation groups and other organisations. Long-established meadows can have up to 30 species of flower in one square metre, and were once some of the richest habitats for beetles, butterflies and bees. But the UK has lost more than 97 per cent of this kind of habitat since 1930.
The wildlife charity said that while conservation groups and landowners such as farmers work to restore larger meadows, anyone with a garden can help by growing smaller patches of wildflowers. Christina MacFarquhar of the RSPB South East said: “Although wildflower meadows traditionally cover large areas of land, the same flowers can thrive in a garden and provide food and habitat for insects, birds and mammals.
“Although you might need to spend a little time getting it right at the start, they’re easy to manage; they need minimal mowing, and you don’t need to add fertiliser because they thrive in nutrient-poor soil, so they’re perfect if you want a vibrant and colourful but low-maintenance garden. You could see grasshoppers in your meadow, as well as lots of different moth and butterfly species, mammals like Hedgehogs and voles, and birds such as Goldfinch and Yellowhammer.
“With biodiversity in decline and children having less and less contact with nature, it’s vital that we increase their opportunities to get outside and develop an understanding and appreciation for wildlife. By transforming part of your lawn into a rich habitat, you can bring the outdoor classroom to your own doorstep.”
The charity is advising people to buy seeds rather than collect flowers from the countryside, where they could already be supporting wildlife. For more information, visit www.rspb.org.uk/hfw
