Breath-taking beauty: The Wildlife Trusts’ wildflower meadows
Tuesday 23rd March 2010
But habitat is under threat warns the leading conservation organisation
After a bitter winter across the UK in 2010, most of us will be eagerly anticipating the coming seasons, and the natural highlights on offer at this time of year are not to be missed. That’s why the spring issue of Natural World - The Wildlife Trusts’ members’ magazine – offers the definitive guide to reserves where you can take in the splendour of our native wildflowers.
The beauty and appeal of the UK’s wildflower meadows is undeniable, so it is worrying to hear this type of habitat is extremely rare.
Whether experiencing the astounding sight of the rare snakeshead fritillary flowering in the tens of thousands, due to habitat restoration, or simply enjoying the abundance of more common native treasures such as the oxeye daisy, The Top 40 Meadows from Around The Wildlife Trusts will point you to a suitable location. It takes you a step towards those tranquil wildlife havens where you can lie, enjoy the hum of bees, and observe the quiet work of butterflies.
Paul Wilkinson, head of A Living Landscape for The Wildlife Trusts, said: “Make the most of the UK’s wonderful wildflowers this spring and summer. The Wildlife Trusts would also urge people to remember that traditional hay meadows are under threat in the UK.
“The Wildlife Trusts put a huge amount of effort in to managing these rare habitats, which are not only important in terms of recreation but provide a vital food source for our rapidly declining bees, and many butterfly species. They are an essential part of The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape across the UK, where habitats are linked and there is space for wildlife to move and adapt in the face of a changing climate.
“Through our management work which includes grazing programmes, scrub clearance and work with farmers on land management techniques, we hope present and future generations will be able to enjoy the sight of lush meadows glinting with orchids and cornflowers.”
To find out about your nearest wildflower meadow, check out the Spring issue of Natural World – out now, or visit www.wildlifetrusts.org/index.php?section=wildflowermeadows.
For more information on The Wildlife Trusts’ vision for A Living Landscape visit: www.wildlifetrusts/alivinglandscape. And you can find out how to grow wildflowers on your own patch to benefit wildlife on The Wildlife Trusts and Royal Horticultural Society website Wild About Gardens, wildaboutgardens.org.
Further information:
• Tanya Perdikou, media & campaigns officer, 01636 670057, tperdikou@wildlifetrusts.org
• Anna Guthrie, media & PR manager, 07887 754659, aguthrie@wildlifetrusts.org
Story by RSWT