Plans to create a wildflower meadow take shape

A project to transform a recreation ground into a wildflower meadow has taken another step forward.

Members of the Nature Volunteer Network and staff from the Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk have planted hundreds of native wildflower plugs in Fairstead Recreation Ground in King's Lynn.

The council said it wanted to establish a diverse mix of wildflower species to enhance the meadow and support local wildlife.

"Every plug planted brings us one step closer to establishing a thriving meadow," said Michael de Whalley, the cabinet member for climate change and biodiversity at the authority.

"[It will] benefit bees, butterflies, birds, and countless other species."

The authority said the wildflower meadow project, which followed the introduction of green hay in the area earlier this year, was one of its first practical initiatives to protect and restore habitats for insects and other wildlife across the borough.

Chris Walker, the biodiversity officer at the borough council, said: "We will be able to take what we learn from this project to recreate wildflower meadows in other areas of the borough, fitting in with our long-term investment in nature."

Wildflower meadows are among the UK's most valuable habitats , external , supporting a wide range of insects and wildlife while helping to connect fragmented natural spaces.

The council said once fully established, the Fairstead Recreation Ground meadow would provide food, shelter and breeding opportunities for numerous species.

It added it would continue to monitor the site's progress as the meadow develops, with the aim of creating a self-sustaining habitat to support biodiversity and potentially provide seed and plant material for future meadow creation projects elsewhere in the borough.

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