Published: 12/07/2022
WILDFLOWER meadows are in full bloom on roadside verges, thanks to Copeland Council.
Verges in Whitehaven and Hensingham have been transformed into havens for local wildlife, as part of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s, ‘Planting for Pollinators’ project.
Residents can enjoy wildflower meadows in verges at:
- Beck Bottom, Hensingham (B5295)
- Corkickle (A5094)
- Meadow Road, Mirehouse
- Rutland Avenue, Mirehouse (A595)
Copeland Council has been awarded £9,000 to help deliver the initiative which aims to create, improve and connect pollinator-friendly habitats. The meadows provide food, shelter and nesting places for the likes of bees, butterflies, wasps and other insects.
The council is enhancing the work of the project, as part of its climate action plan, by creating further meadows across the borough at Jacktrees Road, Cleator Moor and Distington Crematorium.
In the last fifty years, evidence suggests that the number of insects has fallen by 50 per cent or more, with one third of insect species currently threatened with extinction. The main cause of decline is the loss of flower rich habitat.
Copeland Council, in partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, is hoping to restore its pollinator rich areas.
Councillor Andy Pratt, Executive Portfolio Holder for Open Spaces, said: “Pollinators are integral to our ecosystem, and not only does the creation of these verges support a healthy environment - it also provides a beautiful landscape for all to enjoy.
“We’ve sown 46 different species of wildflowers in the meadows, creating and rich and diverse habitat for insects to thrive.
“Over the coming weeks, what may now seem like unkempt areas will be bursting with natural beauty - as the wildflowers come to life.
“We’d like to thank our Parks and Open Spaces team, who have been integral to making the project a success in Copeland.”
The public can also get involved in the Planting for Pollinators project through volunteering, pollinator identification and recording, and planting activities within communities, green spaces and gardens.
To find out more about Planting for Pollinators visit www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk/planting-pollinators
