Over 1,000 wildflower seed packets given to Dacorum residents to celebrate Biodiversity Day

Over 1,000 packets of wildflower seeds were given out to residents in Dacorum to celebrate Biodiversity Day.

As part of Dacorum Borough Council’s climate and ecological emergency work, to celebrate Biodiversity Day on Saturday, May 22, it held a wildflower seed giveaway and primary school competition.

The applications for wildflower seeds was open to residents all week, in total the council had over 1,000 applicants from enthusiastic nature-lovers around the borough.

Chambersbury Primary School in Hemel Hempstead, was the lucky school that was randomly selected for the competition. They won an insect sit–and-study centre where plants can be grown to attract a variety of insects.

Rebecca Sutherland Cooper, senior assistant Head said “Thank you so much for this fantastic addition to our brand new Wildlife Area.

"At Chambersbury we love outdoor learning and are working really hard to develop our grounds so children can enjoy the outdoors and all of its learning opportunities.

"We want to increase biodiversity and foster a love of nature – this is good for the planet and our own wellbeing too.

“All our children work hard to gain whole class “Wild Chambersbury Awards” for outdoor learning and this insect study table will give children the chance to earn their “Bug Buddy” Badge!

"We know children will love using this study centre – we’ll be in touch to let you know how they get on.”

Growing wildflowers is a great way to welcome pollinators such as bees and butterflies into the garden. An alarming 97 per cent of wildflower meadows have been lost in the UK since the 1930’s which has had a direct impact on insect populations.

By supporting these populations the larger wildlife populations that rely on them for a food source are also being supported.

In the past fifty years over 40 per cent of UK species have declined and so they need all the help that they can get. Planting these wildflowers and supporting nature in the garden is making an important difference to help support the UK’s wildlife populations.

All schools that entered the competition will also be sent packets of wildflower seeds to sow in the school grounds, the council are asking schools to send in photos of them being planted in the garden. Please email any photos to [email protected].

The council is running a number of biodiversity projects in Dacorum, including wildflower meadows, tree planting schemes, bug hotels and bee houses.

The Wildlife Trust also has some great expert advice on gardening for wildlife, the trust is also running a #30DaysWild campaign this June.