As overall prize sponsor for the BIG Biodiversity Challenge Awards, Wildflower Turf Ltd are immensely proud of our ongoing involvement with CIRIA and are passionate about supporting and encouraging action that promotes and improves biodiversity within the urban environment.
Since 2013, the BIG Biodiversity Challenge invites the construction industry to add at least one new biodiversity enhancement to construction sites, developments or existing buildings. In 2019 Cormac Solutions Ltd won the overall prize and the installation went ahead in 2020 with some stunning results.
With ecological considerations firmly at the forefront of their minds, Cormac Solutions Ltd chose to utilise their prize to enhance the environment at Coronation Park, Helston. The prize complimented a series of projects around Cornwall that have worked to improve habitat for pollinators and invertebrates.
Melissa Ralph CMLI, “Making Space for Nature” project lead visited the site recently and said, “I’m happy to say that the Wildflower Turf is in great condition, many thanks to the maintenance team at Coronation Park, Helston. It is already bursting into flower with red campion, ragged robin and borage. It is packed with healthy plants and will provide a welcome splash of colour this summer, a haven for bees and butterflies”.
As part of the overall initiative, public urban spaces within 7 towns in Cornwall have been improved so that they are of greater benefit to people and wildlife. Improvements have included planting wildflower meadows, trees, orchards, pollinator friendly flower beds and pond creation. The target was to enhance 35Ha of public urban spaces however 44Ha has been realised.
Prior to the enterprise, the Green Infrastructure assets were dominated by areas of heavily mown grass of low biodiversity value. The green spaces were of low public interest with 24% of Cornish residents not being satisfied with their local green space. Cornwall Council’s 2015 Environmental Growth Strategy identified that protection of the environment is no longer enough and that it needs further investment and growth. Green Infrastructure for Growth has led the way in environmental net gain and worked with local communities to re-think areas of our green space.
Wildflower Turf Ltd very much look forward to supporting this year’s BIG Biodiversity Challenge Award Overall Winner to further their biodiversity credentials and may we take this opportunity to encourage entries in this prestigious competition. The Overall winner this year will receive 200m² of Meadowscape Pro alongside specialist consultancy from the Wildflower Turf Ltd team and two spaces on our highly acclaimed Accredited Partners Programme.
Good luck to all the entrants!
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