Increase in bees and butterflies at newly planted meadows

The Lost Gardens of Heligan, based in Cornwall, have seen a rise in the number of bees and butterflies thanks to new wildlife meadows.

The meadows, planted earlier this year, were part of a plan to counteract the declining population of insects that are essential to the pollination of fruits and vegetables.

Corn Poppies, Corn Marigolds, Cornflowers and Corn Chamomile are just some of the flowers that were once considered weeds, being enjoyed by hundreds of Heligan visitors.

The meadows have pathways cut through them so that visitors are able to immerse themselves in the wild beauty – along with many insect pollinators. 
Jim Briggs, Heligan Estate Manager said, “The Heligan Estate is the perfect place to show off the beauty of native wildflowers as well as providing a very valuable nectar source for our pollinating insects.”

The Roseland Bee Group and B4 have been working with Heligan in order to protect the Cornish black honey bee, as it is proving to be more varroa mite resistant and less affected by our wetter climate than its European cousins.

The Cornish black bees arrived in their hives from the Roseland Bee Group and will hopefully be seen taking advantage of the wild nectar in the meadows.

“We hope that in the near future we will be able to bring the public closer to bees, their lives and their importance within our world. Our pollinating insects really are one of the keys to our survival, as well as fascinating creatures,” commented Jim Briggs.

The Lost Gardens of Heligan are open 10am-5pm daily. The wildflower meadows are currently in bloom and are expected to last until September.


Image courtesy of the Lost Gardens of Heligan