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The Decline of Meadows - How We Can Help
Wild flowers bringing stunning beauty and fragrance to the outside world, however, they are becoming rarer and rarer. In the last 80 years, the amount of meadows in the UK had declined by a shocking 97%. In fact, wild flower meadows are one of the rarest habitats to find in Britain. Whilst you make see this as simply just a shame, the decline of wildflowers can have a dramatic impact on the food we eat.
How are we responsible?
Unfortunately, we humans are the main culprit for the devastating loss of meadow lands. Land development for property and recent changes to farming methods have both had a massive impact on wild flower meadows. We can make a difference in our own homes too, b leaving our gardens to grow naturally. As it has become popular to select more decorative plants, a lot of herbs, medicinal and pollinator friendly plants are pulled out, meaning bees who used to live in our gardens suffer. In order to keep bees, birds and other animals happy and thriving, we need to diversity our natural surroundings. They more diverse they are, the more wildlife will live there.
What happens when meadows disappear?
Richard Deverell, director at Kew Botanical Gardens, explained, "British wildflowers are under threat and therefore so are the pollinators they feed. Not only is it heartbreaking to lose the beauty and colour these native flowers give the UK landscape, but the plight of pollinators has a very real impact on the food we eat ourselves"
In addition, wildflowers can also provide means of shelter for bees. There are more than 250 species of bee in the country who all play a crucial part in our ecosystem. Furthermore, when pollinators begin to die, animals such as hedgehogs, bird and bats that rely on them for sustenance also begin to suffer and die off.
Wild flower flowers boast a large array of flowers which create the perfect habitat for bees. However, some species of bee have evolved to consume just a limited amount of pollens and due to other creatures competing for food, these populations sadly reduce.
What can we do?
There are many organisations who are working together to bring wild plants back to the landscape of the country. However, there are things we as individuals can do to. Let wildflowers such as daises and forget-me-nots grow throughout your garden and include bee-friendly plants such as pussy willow.
Why not add some pollinating plants in your outside space at work? The Funky Yukka team would be happy to come to your site and suggest the best plants for the area to create a beautiful natural haven for wildlife, and a tranquil retreat for employees.
