Scaling Up Wildflower Planting in Manchester

wildflower meadow

Background

The Northern Flower House by the National Wildflower Centre introduces biodiversity and colour into the lives of communities across the North by growing wildflower meadows in local parks. The wildflower seeds sown into these new habitats can be harvested and used to create more meadows across the City, promoting a circular economy whilst contributing to a biodiverse and healthier city region.

Wildflower planting

In 2023, with the help of Friends of Fog Lane Park and the local community, we planted a wildflower meadow at Fog Lane Park in Burnage.

Planting included a mix of annuals and a perennials like Meadow Buttercup, Red Campion, Meadow Sweet, Wild Carrot and Purple Loosestrife along with other wildlife friendly plants such as sunflowers.

Before:

Fog lane before wildflower planting

After:

Fog lane after wildflower planting

Community Engagement

As well as working with a small group of engaged volunteers, we ran an online survey which we promoted through the Friends Facebook page and in other community interest groups.

The following results were gathered:

  • 58 people responded on line to the survey
  • 60% of respondents being supportive of the meadow
  • 67% of respondents found the meadow visually appealing
  • 58% saw wildlife in the meadow – with bees and butterfly’s being the most commonly seen
  • Whilst 46% of people did not reportedly learn anything new about wildflowers, over half felt that they had discovered new things.
  • Comments include ‘how simply beautiful wildflowers are’ and how resilient they can be to the extreme weather conditions that took place during the summer of 2023.
Engagement activities at wildflower meadow

Funders & Partners

This project was made possible thanks to our partnership with a range of organisations:

Partner logos