Two years ago there was an intensively farmed maize field in Mayfield. Now it is the beginning of a wildflower meadow, benefitting tons of species of pollinators which will in turn help birds, farmers, gardeners and other animals.
Insects are in trouble. The world has 25 per cent fewer insects now than in 1990. This includes those we rely on to pollinate our crops like bees and butterflies. If we don’t solve this problem very soon, some species will disappear. The main cause of the decline is down to agriculture – the lack of trees and flowers and the use of pesticides. The insecticides used today are longer lasting and up to 10,000 times more toxic than some that were banned in the 1970s.
But in Mayfield action is being taken. In 2020 members of Marna joined other volunteers collecting wildflower seed from a Staffordshire farm. The cattle here roam over several fields at will eating a varied diet. This low level grazing lets plenty of flowers bloom and seeds prosper in the cattle footprints.
The volunteers then moved onto the Mayfield field, sowing seed and planting plug plants. Over winter the farmer hand weeded out the dock, nettles and thistles that had appeared. We also sowed much of the collected seed into trays to grow on as small plants.
This year the first results are showing. Species growing in what was once a monoculture include rarities like Great Burnett as well as Ox Eye Daisy, Black Knapweed, Yellow Rattle, Red Campion, Selfheal, Eyebright, Betony, Doves-Foot Cranesbill and White Dead Nettle.
It’s early days though so this summer we will again be collecting and sowing seed, and planting out those we’ve grown. More volunteers are needed – if you can help please contact Alison Ash on info@whitepeakfarmers.org.uk. If you can spare a couple of hours get in touch – it’s fun, rewarding and a chance to learn more about wildflowers.
References:
This smart shift in pesticide use could let insect populations recover, Théotime Colin and Andrew B. Barron, New Scientist 2 June 2021
Biodiversity crisis: Insect numbers collapse by 25 per cent around the world since 1990, Harry Cockburn, Independent, 24 April 2020
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