A wildflower planting session took place in Portway to improve biodiversity in the area.
The session was part of Wiltshire Council’s Wild About Wiltshire campaign, which encourages some areas to be left for rewilding while selecting others to support wildflower growth
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for Highways and Streetscene said, “Members of our Streetscene team and idverde UK joined forces for a wildflower plug planting session. They were joined by some enthusiastic young helpers, Rosie and Teddy, who got stuck in during their half-term break, helping to boost biodiversity and brighten up the area.
“Our Wild about Wiltshire campaign aims to improve biodiversity and encourage bees and other pollinators to thrive through our grass cutting approach – with some areas left for rewilding and other areas chosen to promote wildflower growth.”
“The rewilding and wildflower areas have been chosen by towns and parish councils throughout Wiltshire and receive a single cut in March and are then left uncut until September to allow the wildflowers to thrive.”
Paul Ashman, Community Engagement Manager at idverde, said, “It was fantastic to see idverde and Wiltshire Council teams come together at Portway, Warminster, not just planting wildflowers, but growing stronger connections and a shared commitment to biodiversity.”
Wildflower areas create vital habitats for insects and other wildlife and attract natural pollinators and also help to keep soil healthy by reducing the need for pesticides and artificial pollination. Fruits and vegetables such as apples, strawberries, raspberries and more rely on pollinating to produce a good crop.
Wildflower areas can also be beneficial during the winter when other food is scarce for birds and mammals, wildflower seeds can become an important food source.
To find out more about the Wild About Wiltshire project, visit https://orlo.uk/I2O1M
