Council goes wildflowering

Burrator Parish Council is proposing the ‘wildflowering’ of a selection of its green areas this autumn. Currently the green areas are laid to grass and mown regularly throughout the growing season. In a report to the council, Cllr Mark Brunsdon advocates that wildflowering with nectar-rich plants helps support dwindling populations of native pollinators including butterflies, moths and bees. Other wildlife will also benefit such as grasshoppers and hedgehogs. Increasingly councils such as Plymouth City Council are wildflowering road verges and the margins of parkland. However Mark warns that it does require a step change in perception as wildflowers are often short-lived and once flowering is over areas can look untidy compared to cut grass.

Areas being considered include between the two oak trees on Meavy Green, Dousland bus stop on Burrator Road, part of Walkhampton Green and Huckworthy river bank. Treatment will vary, such as scouring the grass to remove the turf in sensitive areas, for example around the old oak tree in Meavy. If you would like to get involved with this initiative and/or comment on these proposals, please contact Katharine Griffiths, clerk to Burrator Parish Council, by email at theclerk@burrator.gov.uk