The project site in Muirton, Perth, is currently designated as an area of stalled space. The site has been cleared for a housing development but due to an economic downturn, development has been delayed.
Buglife is working in partnership with the Tayside Biodiversity Partnership and Perth and Kinross Council to create a temporary greenspace. The creation of a colourful and species-rich wildflower meadow has provided a vital food source for pollinating insects as well as providing important habitat for other wildlife.
The wildflower meadow has also helped to improve the appearance of the local area within Muirton by adding colour and life providing a healthier environment for local people. The Muirton’s Buzzing project has involved the local community in creating wildlife havens within the surrounding areas of the project site in Muirton.
Wildflower meadow creation
During meadow creation, sub-soil was spread across the area and a diverse wildflower seed mix of known provenance was sown. The seed mix included the annuals Corn marigold, Field forget me not, the biennials Wild carrot, Vipers bugloss and the perennials Common knapweed and Field scabious as well as many other species.
The meadow proved to be very popular with pollinating insects including Small tortoiseshell butterfly (Aglais urticae), Marmalade hoverfly (Episyrphus balteatus), Buff tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), Common carder bee (Bombus pascuorum) and Common wasp (Vespula vulgaris).
Meadow at Muirton (c) Suzanne Burgess