North Cross wildflower meadow to be bigger and better

Volunteers and Council staff will be rolling up their sleeves to extend the North Cross wildflower meadow this weekend.

Building on the huge success of the wildflower display last year, this year’s display will be even bigger and better, by bringing the flowers closer to the public walking and cycling routes through North Cross. The display has also been expanded to the central reservation between Pennycomequick roundabout and North Cross.

The finishing touches to the preparation work are being made this week with machinery turning the mown grass on its head to reveal the soil underneath. Seeding will take place with the help of Plymouth Environmental Action and their 16 to 25 year old volunteers on Saturday ready for a wonderful summer display.

Natural Infrastructure Officer Jeremy Sabel said: “Projects like this are vital to help stop the rapid decline of some of our natural pollinators like bees, hoverflies and butterflies. Not only will this display look amazing, it also provides a haven for insects collecting pollen and nectar.

“Native wildflowers favourites including Corn Cockle and poppy will be sown as well as some quirky little numbers including Corky Fruited Water Dropwort and Quaking Grass. These will all develop into a stunning array of colour to welcome visitors to the city.”

The wildflowers will also encourage native pollinators to thrive and this site will be the latest in a long list of wildflower sites across the city.

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