Saving the small things that run the planetGarnock’s Buzzing was a three year meadow creation project that was part of the larger and RSPB-led initiative Garnock Connections – located in North Ayrshire. Amenity grassland in North Ayrshire was transformed into areas for pollinators with the help and support of local communities.
Quick Facts:
Through this project, Buglife worked with partners to transform amenity grassland and road verges into species-rich meadows. As well as the creation of meadows, additional habitat for pollinators was created through the planting of flowering shrubs and the installation of bee banks (for ground nesting solitary bees and wasps) and bee hotels in schools and community gardens. These enhanced areas provide important forage and nesting habitat for a range of pollinators and the addition of colour to the landscape will enrich the lives of people who regularly use and visit these transformed areas. Species rare in Scotland that may benefit from this project include the Small Blue Butterfly (Cupido minimus), Northern Colletes Bee (Colletes floralis) and Hairy-saddled Colletes Bee (Colletes fodiens).
Communities were invited to participate in the planning, creation and monitoring of the meadows. Events (including walks and workshops) raised awareness of the importance of these habitats and our pollinators, trained people how to identify species, encouraged the monitoring of the meadows and other created habitat, establishing a lasting legacy of the project.
Garnock’s Buzzing is funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Green Infrastructure Community Engagement Fund.
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