Wildflowers, a key tool in the fight against biodiversity loss and so much more
By Dylan
March 2025
In recent times wildflowers have gained attention whether that be through products promising to sprout them just by throwing a cardboard-like grenade, yes that’s a real thing, or in recent government legislature promising to protect them. But what actually are Wildflowers? Why are they important? And what can you do?
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As the name suggests, wildflowers are wild flowers that haven’t been selectively bred as they aren’t intentionally planted. They form wildflower meadows when fully grown which support pollinators like bees, and provide a habitat for a variety of organisms not just insects, as some may believe but mammals and birds also call it their home. These benefits are crucially important in supporting biodiversity, especially in its support for bees a species under threat in recent times due to human action. Despite this these habitats have been reduced, thinned out and in some cases destroyed by humans changing the land around them. This is something I can attest to.
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As a child in rural south Wales, the outdoors was an ever-used escape to me, but that didn’t mean I didn’t find things that were unfamiliar to me. Especially in wildflower meadows where the smell of pollen and the sight of insects frantically jolting around bewildered me so much so that I regularly went there to relax and escape any issues I had. This didn’t last sadly, as with all things good it got cruelly ripped away and turned into farmland, extending an already large neighbouring farm harvesting crops. This turn of events led me to produce this blog to ensure people know the importance of wildflower meadows. I am sure many of you reading this may have had similar stories where an area that was once luscious with life and colour was ripped away to be turned into something through human means. This is another example of the importance of wildlower meadows as they are not just for animals but they provide areas busy with colour that allow you to escape from the real world just for a second, they can be incredibly important for someone’s mental health. As seen in the photo below wildflowers can add character to a garden through their vibrant colours, different sizes and their shapes almost unique to each flower.
This photo shows a before, top left photo, and after, bottom left and right photo, of a garden where wildflowers have been planted. Source: Thebonniegardener.co.uk
These habitats which are characterised by the diverse life that dwells within them are being removed because of human actions. However, all isn’t lost, institutions all around the world are recognising their importance and are attempting to grow their wildflower meadows. These institutions range from schools, hospitals and even business places that recognise that planting and growing wildflower meadows is an essential tool in the fight for biodiversity.
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So, wildflower meadows are a tool for good but how can you help them? Well, the simplest way to lend a hand to these key habitats is to grow a few yourself! This may seem like a daunting task with the word meadow but even a few wildflowers in a garden can help to attract and support insects, especially pollinators. Providing the necessary pollen for these pollinators just takes a few wildflowers in your garden. How do I get these wildflowers? I hear you say, well at least I hope you are saying that. Wildflower seeds can be obtained easily whether that be online or even in most major stores there will likely be some form of wildflower seeds, even if not most garden centres will stock them. Wildflowers aren’t just attractive to your garden because of the insects it can facilitate but also it can help to add colour to an otherwise monogamous green grass flat landscape, sorry!
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You can help support the growth of wildflower seeds in your local area by looking out for initiatives that are attempting to grow wildflowers. These can be found on websites such as The Wildlife Trust which hosts wildflower planting sessions all around the UK. This is great for the whole family and gets everyone involved. Joining and scattering these wildflower seeds with others helps to create a large area of wildflower meadows eventually which would help to support many different species. In my case, these wildflower meadows can even become an area which is important for people to go to for their mental health.
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Finally, supporting a legislature that aims to protect and conserve land with wildflowers from changes is incredibly important. This goes the other way as well, signing petitions and campaigning against the destruction of wildflower meadows for land use change is another way to protect the meadows. Protecting already established wildflower meadows is especially important as it is already the habitat for a mindboggling number of creatures and doesn’t require time to grow to create a wildflower meadow, unlike the previous two methods.
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So what are you waiting for? Wildflower meadows are in need and they need you! These habitats, as outlined, are incredibly important in an environmental sense but also to people who want to escape the real world and experience the rich biodiversity around them. The protection and growth of these meadows are a vital tool for combating biodiversity loss through their support of so many species both as a habitat and food source. People like me and you can easily help to support these wildflower meadows in their fight against land use change and other human impacts whether that be through planting your wildflowers, joining planting groups or even signing legislature to ensure that these meadows stay firmly rooted, so get to it and help transform your local area!