Wildflowers in the borough

Wildflowers are an important part of biodiversity as they provide habitat and food for pollinators and insects. Pollinators such as bees help protect crops from pests and many of the fruits and vegetables, we enjoy, rely on them to grow. Without them, the growth of many plants and crops would depend on artificial pollinating. Not only are wildflowers important to our local ecosystem, but they also provide the local area with beauty. 

Areas where wildflowers grow have stable soils due to the complex root systems which means they can sustain increased rainfall. Therefore, wildflowers help to mitigate flooding as they hold rainwater and prevent nutrients leaching out of the soil and into water sources. This is vital due to the increased precipitation caused by climate change. 

Soils where wildflowers grow can sequester a similar amount of carbon as a woodland, reducing greenhouse gases and helping to tackle climate change.

We have planted wildflowers across Hinckley. There is signage up at Castle car park, Trinity East car park, Church Walk car park and five wild flower beds on the battling brook corridor between Brodick Road and the Roston drive entrance to Clarendon park. There is also 'letting the grass grow' signage at St Mary’s church and at Ashby road cemetery.

At the end of the summer period, after the flowers have gone to seed, the areas will be mown and the cuttings removed. This process helps to keep the nutrient levels in the soil lower which will helps the less dominant wildflower species to thrive in future years.

If you would like to create your own wildflower meadow in your back garden, visit how to grow wildflowers (wwf.org.uk)

Last updated: 27/06/2023 11:21