It is a big week for wildlife advocates this week. While the 20th of May celebrates the humble Bee species with World Bee Day, May 22nd marks the International Day Of Biological Diversity. Following a fantastic webinar hosted by The North Devon Biosphere, we wanted to celebrate by sharing a little on Wildflower Meadows and Recovery Plans for Biodiversity!

Nature Recovery Plan

At last week’s Webinar, Mike Moser explained that a decline in biodiversity across Devon encouraged experts to research why there has been a loss of biodiversity, as well as enabling them to explore some of the consequences of this. They concluded that changes in habitat, the use of the land, and major players like climate change have resulted in effects such as a loss of, and decline in, species – alongside soil degradation. The Nature Recovery Plan will aim to tackle these root causes and consequences locally, nationally and internationally.

The plan’s main aim is to address the global ecological emergency by targeting five specific areas of nature. These include coasts, grasslands, communities, woodlands and wetlands – with hopes to expand to marine life too. Their aims are ambitious, but in coming together to Pledge For Nature, we should begin to see the positive impact of this plan across the next few years. 

The following four-stage plan has been devised to attempt to encourage biodiversity in Devon. As a partner of The North Devon Biosphere, these are aims that we are already trying to implement. Our passion for wildlife has been actioned by trying to create an environment that enables nature to thrive in the most natural ways possible, and we look forward to furthering our Pledge For Nature as this year progresses. 

Plan For Biodiversity In Devon

1. Make space for nature (habitat creation and restoration)
2. Reintroduce and recover species (for example, trying to save the ever-decreasing population of dormice specifically in Devon)
3. Integrate nature into farmland and urban areas (including the growing of wildflowers)
4. Engage local people, and encourage collaborative working (taking form in a recovery plan declaration and pledges for nature)

Why Wildflowers?

The main focus of the webinar was to discuss wildflower meadows. We had the opportunity to learn more about the importance of wildflowers and how to create and sustain a meadow. We were joined by Tracey Hamston, who spoke on behalf of Moor Meadows (a community initiative for a nature-rich Dartmoor), and More Meadows (a meadow maker forum). Now you might be thinking, why wildflowers, and what makes meadows such as these so significant? The answer is fairly simple. 

Meadows and flower-rich grasslands are rich habitats for wildlife, and fantastic pollinators – in addition to being wonderful carbon and water storers. Meadows are therefore recognised as a good all-around investment that benefits the biodiversity of our ecosystem. 

With Kate and Shaun having an interest in wildlife before The Sign Maker was founded, there was no doubt that Yelland Farm would feature wildflowers. We have two main wildflower patches, one that is well established and one that is in its infancy. The established meadow is home to a plethora of Yellow Rattle. Yellow Rattle keeps the grass down and stops it from taking over so that the flowers can thrive. We choose to recollect the seeds to maintain the patch, which we have had great success with. 

Following the recent webinar, we have signed up for the More Meadows Forum. The forum will allow us to connect with and learn from others who have the same heart we do. Wildflowers have proven themselves to have a positive impact on biodiversity. So, we are glad to be making space for them on-site.

What Next?

We want to encourage you to join us, and there are many ways to do this. By checking out this page, you’re already raising awareness of the ecological crisis. However, you may be ready to begin making some practical steps towards supporting local biodiversity. You could do this by signing a nature recovery declaration (as an individual, or on behalf of an organisation), or perhaps making a Pledge For Nature. 

We’d love to know what you’re getting up to! So, drop us a message or send in a picture to us so that we can share your nature wins!