New wildlife meadows bring colour and nature to Ivybridge’s greenspaces

South Hams District Council has begun creating a series of urban wildflower meadows across Ivybridge, aiming to boost biodiversity and provide habitats for local wildlife.

The project is being carried out in partnership with ParkLife South West CIC and local volunteers, transforming council-owned greenspaces into colourful, natural areas. 

Selected sites have already benefited from relaxed mowing regimes, and care has been taken to ensure the meadows do not interfere with recreational spaces.

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Work so far has included scarifying the soil to remove the top layer of grass, moss, and organic matter, before sowing a locally sourced perennial wildflower mix that features yellow rattle, a key species for establishing healthy meadows. 

Signs will be installed at each site to explain the project and encourage residents to engage with the initiative.

Once established, the meadows will provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies, birds, and small mammals. 

Funding comes from Section 106 contributions from a local planning development, specifically allocated to off-site biodiversity improvements in Ivybridge. 

The council will maintain the meadows initially, allowing the perennial flowers to become established over time.

ABOVE: Wildflowers and wildlife are hoped to eventually fill the meadows (Credit: South Hams District Council)

Cllr John McKay, Executive Member for Climate Change and Biodiversity, said:

"This project is a fantastic example of how we can work together with our communities and partners to create spaces that benefit both people and wildlife. 

“These meadows will not only brighten up our greenspaces but will also provide much-needed habitats for pollinators and other species. We look forward to seeing them flourish and hope to expand the scheme in the coming years."

The new meadow areas are located across Ivybridge at sites including Bridge Park, Manor Drive, Cornwood Road, Marjorie Kelly Way, Cole Lane, Rivers Close, St Peters Way, B3213 path, Rue St Pierre, Gorse Way, and the Orchard between Blackthorn Drive and Filham Moor Close, as well as the corner of Woolcombe and Godwell Lane.

ParkLife South West Director Keith Rennells added:

"It is great to be involved in such vital work in Ivybridge. Britain has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows over the last century, and those that remain tend to be small and fragmented. 

“These eleven new meadows combine to provide a rich habitat for insects, birds and small mammals. They are dotted all around town, and we've had a really positive response from the community, people are seeing the benefit to local wildlife."

South Hams District Council hopes that, if successful, the urban meadows scheme can be expanded further in the coming years, creating more spaces where wildlife and residents can thrive together.