Meadows in Eden are set to get a £12,000 restoration boost.
Westmorland and Furness Council’s Eden Locality Board is funding the restoration of two meadows this year following the success of Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s Planting for Pollinators project, which restored four sites last year.
Almost £12,000 of funding has been allocated to the project by the Board’s Climate Action and Increasing Biodiversity Working Group to restore the meadows this autumn at Hutton Roof Green and Shap Playing Field.
It aims to build on the work at four community sites across Eden, which have already benefitted from funding to plant Fairhill Recreation Ground in Alston, Carleton Park in Penrith, Otteriggs Field in Salkeld Dykes and Edensyde in Kirkby Stephen.
Cumbria Wildlife Trust played a vital role in the success of recent seed sowing and planting days, helping to create more pollinator-friendly habitats across Eden.
Planting took place over two days across the two sites with volunteers, including those from the local parish councils and primary school.
Their combined efforts have resulted in the planting of 3,000 Cumbrian wildflower plugs, which benefit pollinator populations and increase habitat connectivity for insects.
Councillor Lorna Baker, Chair of the Eden locality board, said: “The success of the Planting for Pollinators project in Eden so far has been pleasing, with Cumbrian species carefully chosen to make a sustainable addition to our environment.
“It has been inspiring to see our communities come together with enthusiasm to improve their local spaces.
“Building on last year’s success, we are excited to see this next phase of planting at these two new sites. They provide vital habitats for pollinators but will also brighten our green spaces.
“Wildflower meadows flourish in poor soil of little direct agricultural use but by increasing the numbers of pollinators these marginal areas indirectly improve crop yield, which is useful in this rural area.
“We are grateful to Cumbria Wildlife Trust, the local parish councils and all the volunteers whose dedication made this recent planting possible.”
Tanya St. Pierre, grassland and pollinator team manager for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, added: “We’re hugely grateful to have received further funding from Westmorland and Furness Council to continue our Planting for Pollinators work with communities in Eden.
“Over spring and summer, we surveyed community sites across Eden, providing recommendations for groups to help pollinators on their land, and set out in search of pollinators during community walks.
“Through the funding, we’ve been able to support two sites directly with pollinator habitat enhancements this year.
“We’re delighted to be working closely with Mungrisdale and Shap Parish Council across two community sites to create wildflower habitat. With over 3,000 wildflowers planted, we’re helping to transform these green spaces for pollinators and people to enjoy.
“Thanks to everyone who came along to give local pollinators a helping hand whilst meeting like-minded people and learning about creating habitat for pollinators.”
