Plantlife project aims to champion unsung heroes
THE search is on to find Scotland’s most successful meadow makers as concerns grow that flower-rich grasslands are being lost through neglect, change of land use or development.
Plantlife, the organisation which speaks up for wild flowers, plants and fungi, and partners have launched a Save Our Magnificent meadows project and aim to celebrate the work of unsung heroes in Scotland’s communities and schools as they protect the country’s meadow heritage and inspire others to follow suit.
Since the 1980s Scotland has lost nearly 70 per cent of lowland meadows and grasslands that were once rich in native wildflowers such as eyebright, devil’s-bit scabious and lesser butterfly orchid.
The project is working to restore 6000 hectares of wildflower meadows and grasslands, primarily funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Deborah Long, head of Plantlife Scotland, said: “We want to showcase the work of those in our local communities who are helping to conserve the remaining flower-rich grasslands and provide inspiration to the rest of us.
“They could be working in small fields or on mountain tops. They might be encouraging wild flowers in school grounds or in village centres.”
The closing date for entries is July 31. For more information go to www.magnificentmeadows.org.uk