Multiple wildflower meadows have been established throughout the Basildon borough, in a bid to deliver environmental and community benefits.

The project, led by Basildon Borough Council, has seen a ‘noticeable’ increase in pollinators, and a positive impact on biodiversity.

Wildflowers have been planted across the region: on roundabouts, bee sand planters, enmity and local parks, and 1-hectare meadows across larger parks such as Northlands Town Park, and Wick Country Park.

A native wildflower meadow has also been created at Beauchamps Meadow Local Nature Reserve.

Wildflowers were also chosen by the council to replace traditional planting schemes and eliminate the need for annual replanting, in turn reducing maintenance costs and improving sustainability.

Parks and countryside biodiversity officer at Basildon Borough Council, Josh Childs says this project “has been extremely rewarding”, while supporting nature and the local community.

“The positive impact on local biodiversity is clear, with a noticeable increase in pollinators and other wildlife thriving in these areas. Not only do these projects enhance the beauty of our public spaces, but they also offer long-term ecological benefits with minimal maintenance.”

Supplied by Green-Tech, John Chambers wildflower seeds are sown in the autumn, allowing them to germinate in the spring, for flowers to then bloom from June.

To ensure they have long-term impact, the wildflower areas are maintained through annual cut-and-collect processes to maintain a balance between wildflowers and grass.

The on-going project will also see improvements made to soil health and a reduction in chemical treatments.