Ross-shire communities to join Highland efforts to create dozens of new wildflower meadows
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AMBITIOUS plans to create dozens of new wildflower meadows in the Highlands in a bid to halt the habitat's shocking decline will move into several Ross communities this week.
High Life Highland's countryside rangers hope to create at least 60 new wildflower meadows this year in a bid to reverse a decline in nature which has seen wildlife fall 24 per cent in 30 years.
To that end they are hosting a string of wildflower planting sessions in Highland communities.
And this week they'll be creating new meadows in Dingwall, Kinlochewe, Aultbea and Gairloch.
Read more: Andy Summers: Creating a Highland-wide wildflower meadow mosaic
"Wildflower meadows have seen a decline of 97 per cent since the 1930s and this is catastrophic for many species as well as our own," said a spokesman for the ranger service.
"Hundreds of pollinating insects rely on wildflower meadows for food, and we rely on pollinators for much of our food. Wildflowers are very important ecologically and a beautiful sight, which is why the High Life Highland Countryside rangers are creating wildflower areas with communities and schools all over the Highlands this year."
The Dingwall session takes place on Tuesday from 10.30am to 1.30pm. During the workshop participants will learn about the importance and variety of this habitat and what species they support, before taking a short tea brerak and then going outdoors to make a start creating a wildflower meadow patch.
To book a spot, when location details will be provided, email marcia.o’hara@highlifehighland.com
Events continue on Tuesday at Kinlochewe when the community will work on preparing a wildflower area beside the village picnic benches.
This session runs from approximately 11am to 1pm. For more information email jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com or call 07917 307499.
The Aultbea community will get in on the act on Thursday when seed beds will be prepared at the Aird from 10.30am to 1pm. Again, email jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com or call 07917 307499 for specific details.
Also on Thursday, a seed bed preparation session will take place outside Gairloch Community Hall from 2.30pm to 5pm. Email jenny.grant@highlifehighland.com or call 07917 307499 for details.
The sessions will involve removing some grass and defining the area "so there will be lots of digging". Participants are advised that although the ranger will have a few tools available, those who can should bring their own spades and gloves in they wish.
The projects are supported by funding from the Nature Restoration Fund.
To find out more about these and other events on the Countryside Rangers' calendar, visit www.highlifehighland.com/rangers/upcoming-events.
