Plant now to boost wild plant and bumblebee numbers

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is urging keen gardeners and nature lovers to follow its lead and plant patches of wildflowers to boost the bumblebee population.

Conservation charity, the National Trust for Scotland is urging keen gardeners and nature lovers to follow its lead and plant patches of wildflowers to boost the bumblebee population.

Wildflowers like bird’s foot trefoil, yellow rattle and red clover were once common in Scotland’s countryside, but have declined in recent years because of changes in agriculture and in the way that roadside verges are cut. These plants are important food sources for many insects, especially bumblebees, whose populations have also been in decline.

The National Trust for Scotland is stepping up its work to create wildflower meadows at many of its properties, including Falkland Palace and Kellie Castle in Fife, the David Livingstone Centre in Blantyre and Inveresk Lodge Garden in Musselburgh. Areas of the grounds, including orchards, will be planted with important native plants to help conserve wildflowers and preserve natural habitats for insects.

And now, the conservation charity is asking green-fingered enthusiasts to plant wildflowers in gardens, allotments, community areas or other green spaces. The call comes as many wildflower seeds need to be planted soon, so that the plants are in place for next summer.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser said:

“Over the years, the populations of many insects have been in serious decline because habitats like wildflower meadows have largely disappeared from our countryside. Past changes in agricultural practices have been mainly to blame for this and even the wildflower refuges on our road verges have been suffering. It is no wonder that we are all so worried about the future of our bumblebees - they are so dependant on healthy populations of these plants.

“Fortunately, we can all act to conserve both these precious plants and insects. Many farmers now manage areas of wildflowers and a recent survey by the Trust has shown that many of our own meadows are still full of them. Go to Venniehill at Gatehouse of Fleet or Kittochside by East Kilbride and you will be able to experience these special places.

“Keen gardeners can play their part too by planting an area of wildflowers for next summer and the years beyond. Even the smallest space can make a difference. Wildflower seeds are widely available - just make sure you buy seeds from Scottish plants as they grow best. The plants can be grown in pots at first and don’t need too much care and attention. They look and smell fantastic and, of course, you’d be doing your bit to boost our bumblebees.”