We are seeking the public’s help in promoting and protecting areas of wildflowers across the region
Wildflowers and promoting biodiversity
This is part of our plan to promote more biodiversity across Borders greenspaces and provide solutions to the challenges presented by climate change.
A number of designated wildflower sites have since been developed as a result of this increased focus on protecting the environment and in response to the public’s changing attitudes towards the local environment.
A Friends of the Earth study commissioned in 2017 found that 81% of British people would support more wildflower areas in parks and roadside verges.
With a view to increasing the amount of wildflower areas across the region, we are working closely with local In Bloom and community groups to undertake trials of wildflower cultivation.
Trial sites
Various trial sites have produced encouraging results in helping produce a diverse range of wildlife to date. One such site, near our HQ in Newtown, has seen a native colony of Northern Marsh orchids flourish.
We are eager to receive feedback from the public and get input to identify more potential sites that could be turned into grassland or wildflower meadows.
This is a result of a wider review of the services we offer, aiming to adopt more sustainable ways of working as outlined in the forthcoming Climate Change Route Map.
Changing services to reduce their environmental impact
Since 2019, particular services we offer have been changed to reduce their overall environmental impact. This has included reducing the frequency that grass is cut across certain locations.
These designated naturalised spaces are left to grow long and will only be cut once or twice a year to provide a more suitable habitat for insects, plants and other wildlife to thrive.
Promotion of these spaces is vital in helping key pollinators including bees and butterflies thrive and supports their ability to create and maintain ecosystems fundamental to everyday life.
More information
Members of the public can get in touch by filling out an online form.
A full list of sites across the Borders where wildflower mixes are being trialled can be found on our website.
Councillor Robin Tatler, Executive Member for Community Development and Localities
“When left to grow, wildflowers help sustain a diverse range of insects, wildlife and plants.
“Not only do they brighten up our villages and towns with a colourful array of flora and fauna, but they have a really significant biodiversity impact as well.
“As a Council we are committed to looking at how we can become more sustainable and environmentally friendly. By cutting grass in certain areas less often we are helping promote a wider range of wildlife across the Borders and make positive steps towards tackling climate change.”