With spring around the corner, Hertsmere’s bees and bugs will be able to enjoy more habitats throughout the borough with the planting of new hedgerows and areas of natural grass and wildflower meadows.
We carried out a biodiversity audit in 2020 and 2021 in partnership with Hertfordshire County Council’s Countryside Management Service to identify areas that would benefit from additional native trees and planting of wildflower meadows.
The audit identified areas for wildflower meadow creation across Hertsmere. This year five wildflower meadows have been created, which means around 7,325 square metres of wildlife habitat, with more proposed sites to be established in future years.
Councillor Seamus Quilty, Portfolio Holder for Environment, said: "After a dark and cold January, the prospect of more greenery and natural habitats is something we can all look forward to in the future.
“We started focussing on meadow creation alongside tree and hedge planting last autumn. The wildflower species contain 15 different species to provide important pollen and nectar sources for insects, bees and other pollinators that are a vital part of our ecosystem.
“During 2023, these areas will be mown to enable root establishment but are expected to flourish in 2024.”
Over the next few years, wildflower meadows will flourish in Aycliffe Park and Meadow Park in Borehamwood, Cranbourne Crescent in Potters Bar, King George Recreation Ground in Bushey and Mead Road in Shenley.
Improved hedge planting has taken place at Aycliffe, Stilton Path, Farriers Way Open Space, Kenilworth Park, Milton Drive and Walshford Way Amenity Green in Borehamwood resulting in 818 metres of hedgerows.
New trees, including Lime, Silver Birch, Cherry, Rowan, Oak, Beech and Sweet Chestnut were also planted in Aycliffe Park, Farriers Way Open Space, Milton Drive, Ripon Park and Walshford Way Amenity Green in Borehamwood.
Cllr Quilty added: “As a council we declared a climate emergency and committed to achieving net-zero emissions no later than 2050. This is just one way in which we are working towards that goal.”
The scheme was funded through Sky Studios Biodiversity Section 106 funds with Hertfordshire County Council funding the wildflower creation and a small contribution towards the tree/hedge works.
To find out more about our parks and open spaces, please visit: www.hertsmere.gov.uk/parks
Posted on Friday 10th March 2023