West Lothian B-Lines

West Lothian has seen a significant loss of species-rich grassland to urbanisation, industrialisation and agriculture: 13.2% of the land area is urban and 36 % is grassland, 70% of which is cultivated and biologically poor. Currently, most grassland in West Lothian’s urban greenspace is managed strictly for amenity use with frequent cuts close to the ground. This results in low floral species diversity, significantly reducing the vital foraging habitat available for pollinating insects.

By transforming intensively managed amenity grassland into colourful species-rich grassland, West Lothian’s B-Lines will help to reverse the declines in our pollinator species whilst also establishing more healthy functioning ecosystems.

The project also had huge benefits for people; community groups, schools, local residents, and other people from all over West Lothian were involved in the creation of these wildflower areas, whilst learning more about pollinating insects and how to manage greenspaces for wildlife through workshops and events. The addition of these colourful urban wildflower meadows have improved the quality of greenspace for people to enjoy.

We are continuing work in this area by monitoring the newly created sites of wildflower-rich habitat, as well as pre-existing areas of wildflower-rich habitat. With this data, we are providing advice and guidance to West Lothian Council on the sites they are managing.

How can you get involved?

Do you live, work or manage land along the West Lothian 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.

Keep an eye on our Events page to join in on events throughout the year.

If you have any questions about this project, please contact Conservation Officer, Melissa Shaw, at [email protected].