Local school children join Floral Friends of Frampton and Buglife to create a meadow for pollinators within the West of England B-Lines network.
Pupils from Watermore Primary School recently helped to create 100m2 of meadow at Glebe Fields by sowing a variety of wildflower seeds including Red clover, Bird’s-foot trefoil and Wild carrot. Members of the Floral Friends group, Buglife and local contractors helped to prepare the ground before the sowing event which involved cutting and turning strips of turf followed by raking to break up the soil.
When established the meadow will provide food and shelter for our pollinators such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies, and many other insects, whilst also providing a vibrant show of colour.
Owned by South Gloucestershire Council, Glebe Fields is a local open space next to the River Frome; the Community Orchard was established there a few years ago when apple trees were planted. Last autumn saplings of the local Frampton Magnum plum were planted in the orchard with the hope that this will help to conserve this rare species of plum whilst also enhancing the environment for local people and insects alike!
Clare Dinham, Buglife Conservation Officer, said “Creating the meadow involved a great team effort within the local community. Their efforts will help to enhance Glebe Fields for pollinators, wildlife and local people to enjoy for years to come. Not only that, Glebe Fields lies within the West of England B-Lines network, which helps to link habitats for pollinators across Avon.”
Angela Haymonds, CETB Trust Secretary, said: “We are thrilled to have been able to offer funding to such a worthwhile project that will benefit local people as well as the environment.”
Thanks to funding from Cory Environmental Trust in Britain, South Gloucestershire Council and local partners the West of England B-lines project is restoring and connecting the region’s best wildlife sites from the Cotswolds to the Mendips, from the coast to the hills, and from our towns and cities to the countryside.
