Coast to Coast B-Line

What did the project do?

Over the course of the year, 4.9 hectares of land was enhanced for pollinators, exceeding the project’s original target of enhancing 3 hectares. This included a 3.2 hectare field in Kirkby Stephen which has benefitted from the seeding of a locally sourced brush harvested seed, introducing more local wildflowers to the area. Over the years, this meadow will increase in value for pollinators and for the tenant farmer responsible for the land. All of the sites that were enhanced throughout this project have signed management agreements in place to ensure their ongoing management.

Other sites involved in the project include a flower-rich grassland and small orchard at Richmond School and a new orchard and meadow area for the community and mourners at Hipswell Cemetery as part of a contemplative walk. Lady Serena Park in Richmond, accessible to the local community for dog walking and recreation via a foot path, were also enhanced with wildflower seed. These areas will be managed to benefit and support pollinators for the enjoyment of future generations.

The Coast to Coast B-Lines project also delivered 14 engagement activities designed to teach different audiences more about pollinators and their needs, again exceeding the original target of 10 events. Venues included Kiplin Hall, Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve (owned by the Ministry of Defence), Richmond School and Hudson House, Reeth (Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority building). Buglife worked with a number of established community groups, including Richmondshire Climate Action Group, Homedale Nature Network, Just the Job (who work to equip young people with special needs with work skills) and an Eco Club at Richmond School run by students.

The project undertook other pollinator friendly habitat work. For example, advising on ornamental planting, supplying and planting fruit trees and bee hotel construction.

In addition, habitat management advice was shared with a number of land owners to help improve sites for pollinators across the region.

How can you stay involved?

Do you enjoy observing pollinating insects, why not take part in the UK Pollinator Monitoring Scheme and carry out a Flower Insect Timed (FIT) Count.

Do you live, work or manage land along the Coast to Coast B-Line or are you part of a community group or school? We’d love you to help us create B-Lines; once you have created your flower-rich habitat please add your site to our B-Lines map.

Information, advice and support is available to landowners, homeowners and local authorities who would like to know more about B-Lines, and how to improve their land for pollinators.

Or get in touch [email protected].