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Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Wildflowers count
There has been a lot of UK press about wildflowers recently. From Sarah Raven to the RHS, everyone who is anyone in gardening is planting or sowing wildflowers to help our pollinators in need. I've got lots of california poppy seeds sown in gravel along the alleyway at the side of my house that usually attracts a plethora of buzzing insects. Hopefully any of you who have the space will be making their own contribution, but even if you don't have any space, you could contribute to the knowledge of our current wildflower status by signing up for the Wildflower Count organised by Plantlife each year. On signing up (don't worry, it doesn't cost you anything) you'll be allocated an Ordnance Survey grid square selected for proximity to your postcode. Then, armed with their handy photo guide, you simply go for a 1km stroll across that square, identifying any of the 99 listed most common UK wild flower plants. It's pretty easy, could get you (and your kids) exploring a part of your town/village/city that you've not really seen before and the data all goes towards a better understanding of the status and spread of our native flora. Spread the word - they're looking to increase their registered surveyors in 2012.
The website for signing up is here. Go on - count a cowslip today!
The website for signing up is here. Go on - count a cowslip today!
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They're great for bees and great for our honey harvest. (Fingers crossed!)
ReplyDeleteI'm very interested in your bee and honey progress - hives will need to wait until I get a bigger garden :(
DeleteWhat a great activity, I may just have to sign up for that.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my 3rd year Jo - you keep the same grid square, so the idea is that Plantlife can build up a picture year on year.
Deletewonderful activity to participate!
ReplyDeleteand as it's so local, you can pick and choose a nice day to do the survey. I don't think I'd enjoy it if I had to do it in the rain...
DeleteOff to investigate forthwith although pretty built up around here :)
ReplyDeletethe first third of my 1km route is through a housing estate - you'd be amazed what grows through pavement cracks or on the barren verges by the pavement.
DeleteI decided to turn one of my raised beds over to wildflowers only, I've no idea what will grow (I used quite a few mixed packs freely) but should be interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt will be a lovely surprise when they come into flower and the pollinators will love it!
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