Allotment holders turn patch of land into wild flower and nature area

Published: 28 April 2021

Nature-loving gardeners in Exeter are helping to turn a patch of wasteland into a wildflower area where wildlife can flourish.

Members of Trews Weir Canal Side Allotments were joined by staff at the City Council’s Parks Team to transform the unused patch of land.

The area was dug over and prepared before wild flower seeds were sown. Now all the group need to do is sit back and wait for the rain to come and the sun to shine, before enjoying a bloom of wildflowers which will bring pollinators like bees and butterflies to the site.

The idea was hatched upon by allotment member Andrea Shelly and her green-fingered friends.

Andrea said: “Nick and his team from the Council provided us with invaluable help to prepare the area which we deemed perfect to sow as a wild flower/nature area. 

“Thanks to them and everyone else involved for the go-ahead and support. Now we need a mix of rain and sunshine and, fingers crossed, perfect conditions for the seed to grow!”

Stephen Hussey, of Devon Wildlife Trust, said it was great that people were taking the initiative to improve wildlife habitats around them.

Devon Wildlife Trust has worked with the City Council for a number of years now on the Wild City initiative, converting roadside verges, roundabouts and other areas into places where wild flower can grow and wildlife can flourish. 

Stephen said: “Allotments hold great potential as a resource for local wildlife. Sensitively managed without the use of pesticides and herbicides they can really work for nature. Exeter’s allotments form part of the network of green space which make the city a pleasure to live in and which are able to support good populations of birds, insects and mammals. The actions of Andrea and her colleagues on their allotment show just what can be achieved.”