Wildflowers bloom in Fenland

Cllr Peter Murphy, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, pictured at the wildflower meadow in Whittlesey with Kevin Wilkins, the Council's Horticultural Officer.

The 6,000 square metre wildflower meadow was sown at The Manor leisure centre field in Whittlesey last November, ready to bloom in the summer.

It is anticipated that further wildflower areas will be created by the Council in community open spaces next year in a bid to improve biodiversity and encourage wildlife.

Other options also being considered include leaving specific areas within large open spaces to grow wild, with no mowing, to allow for a much-richer habitat that supports pollinators like bees and butterflies and other insects.

Cllr Peter Murphy, the Council's Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "Not only are impressive displays of wildflower colour beautiful to look at, but they also provide a perfect environment for flora and fauna to flourish.

"We're really keen to increase the biodiversity and boost wildlife on our public land so will be looking at where we can create more wildflower spaces next year and reviewing our grounds maintenance to see if there are areas where we can let the grass grow."

Article date: June 2022