wildflowers

 

New research reveals that planting flowers in urban green spaces across Cornwall has “significantly boosted” pollinating insect populations.

The University of Exeter collaborated with Cornwall Council and civil engineering firm Cormac to enhance 78 hectares of land in 15 towns with flowers, trees, and shrubs.

These were planted in parks, green spaces, road verges, and churchyards.

The wildflowers led to a “two-fold increase” in flower visits by key pollinators, particularly solitary bees and wasps.

The project focused on towns such as Bodmin, Falmouth, Helston, and Penzance.

PhD student Oliver Poole, who led the study, said: “We studied 50 paired sites across 10 of these towns, which were either left as normal (mostly mown grass) or planted with wildflowers or a combination of wildflowers and non-native ornamental flowers.

“These didn’t take up large areas – no more than 20% of space was used – but the results show urban green spaces can provide a vital refuge for pollinators, while also being appealing and enjoyable places for people.”

Councillor Martyn Alvey, responsible for the environment and climate change, said the initiative has created “rich and diverse habitats.”

“Working with the university has allowed the council to evidence the value of these enhancements and the importance of creating them for pollinators,” he said.

Melissa Ralph, Cormac’s manager for making space for nature, highlighted the project’s success in demonstrating how Cornwall could reverse the decline in insect populations.

 

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