7th October 2011
Buglife and Habitat Aid today launch a bug friendly wildflower meadow mix to help tackle the decline of pollinating insects. The wildflower seed mix has been approved by expert conservationists and is on sale now in two London braches of Thornton’s Budgens.
 Dr Chris Gibson.jpg) |
| Greater Knapweed © Dr Chris Gibson |
The wildflower meadow mix contains nectar and pollen rich plants such as Cornflower and Knapweed that are ideal for hoverflies, bees and butterflies. With a dramatic decline in many pollinators in the last 60 years Buglife and Thornton’s Budgens hope to increase the number of wildflower gardens in urban London.
Vicky Kindemba, Buglife Conservation Project Manager said “Buglife want to help you take practical action to reverse pollinator declines. Planting the wildflower meadow is simple and will make a real difference to the bees, moths and flies in your garden”.
Andrew Thornton, owner of Thornton’s Budgens stores and the Food from the Sky Project said “Our food from the sky project to grow organic fruit and vegetables on the supermarket roof depends on insect pollination. Two thirds of every mouthful of food we eat is pollinated by insects so it is vital that we do what we can to maintain healthy populations. We want to inspire shoppers to grow their own food and help pollinators too”
Nick Mann from Habitat Aid added: “We’ve forgotten how beautiful our wildflowers and grasses are, and this is a great way to see them. You don’t need a meadow, just a nice sunny spot – an old plastic tub will do – with drainage holes and soil. The autumn is the perfect time to plant them. What’s more, all you need to do is water them and the benefits for such little effort are stunning.”
Buglife wildflower seeds are now available from Thornton’s Budgens in Crouch End and Belsize park.
