Getting buzz-y in Central Park

Plymouth’s getting buzz-y for the bees with the planting of new wildlife meadows in Central Park.

Plymouth City Council and Buglife will be planting 2.2 hectares (5.4 acres) of wildflowers to create a feast of flowers to whet the appetite of the city’s pollinating bugs such as bees, wasps hoverflies and butterflies.

A mixture of plants including, Vipers bugloss, Field scabious, Ox-eye daisy, Lesser knapweed, Wild carrot, Red clover, Yellow rattle, Kidney vetch and Bird’s Foot trefoil are being planted on the slope heading from Barne Park field entrance towards Home Park.

Cabinet Member for the Environment, Councillor Brian Vincent said: “It’s going to look great come Summer, but this is not just about looking good, our pollinating pals have declined in worrying numbers and we all need to do what we can to reverse this.

“This is not just a countryside issue, it is something we in the city can help with – and get real pleasure out of it too.”

Rupert Goddard, Project Officer at Buglife said: “Pollinating insects are our partners in this world. They are crucial to our wellbeing, economy and a healthy environment. Much of the food we eat and the wildflowers that brighten up our countryside rely on insect pollination. If our bees and butterflies keep dropping in number – we are all in trouble. It’s great to see the Council recognise this and work with us on a local basis to tackle a global issue.”

The Plymouth’s Buzzing project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, has created over 5ha of new meadows across the city over the past two years.