Sowing the seeds to boost our bees as Wild Chalk event returns this weekend
July 17, 2019
People will be able to create their own “mini” wildflower meadows in their gardens, thanks to “Bee Bombs” to encourage pollinators.
The free seed packs will be handed out at the National Park Authority’s next headline event, Wild Chalk, which will take place in East Brighton Park on Sunday 21 July.
Taking place from 11am to 5pm, the free event will have lots of fun activities for all ages, including a giant wildlife colouring wall, sheep to meet and stroke, a Stone Age re-enactment, virtual reality headsets, birds of prey demonstrations, storytelling beside a shepherds hut and wildlife spotting.
The family fun day champions the rare and beautiful chalk grassland habitat of the South Downs National Park.
Grazed by sheep for several centuries, chalk grassland is home to an array of animals and plants, including several types of wildflowers that provide sweet nectar for bees and butterflies. However, since the Second World War the UK has lost around 80% of chalk grassland and with it the decline of pollinator species.
The seed packs being given away at the event are a mix of 18 native British wildflower seeds, all designated by the Royal Horticultural Society as “perfect for pollinators”. The seeds simply need to be scattered on to cleared ground.
This year’s event is being supported by the Brighton and Hove City Council Parks team.
Laura Warren, Events and Engagement Officer for the National Park, said: “We’re really looking forward to holding our second Wild Chalk event in Brighton after a great turnout last year.
“Bees and other pollinators are absolutely vital for our food supply and the overall ecosystem so it’s important we all play our part in supporting their recovery. We hope these seed packs give local gardeners a helping hand in supporting pollinators. There’s nothing quite as a beautiful as a blanket of colourful wildflowers in a garden!
“There’ll be plenty of activities for all ages to learn more about chalk grassland and get closer to nature, so we’re expecting a great day in Brighton.”
The giveaway comes as the South Downs National Park Trust, the independent official charity for the National Park, launched the Bee Lines campaign earlier this year to raise £75,000 to create new wildflower corridors. After raising the money, the Trust plans to work with landowners and farmers in the National Park to create the corridors – effectively a “road system” for bees – that will allow pollinators to thrive.
Bees pollinate around a third of food crops and 90 per cent of wild plants. Key pollinating species in the National Park include honey bees, bumblebees and the Adonis blue butterfly.
To find out more about Bee Lines and to donate visit www.southdownstrust.org.uk/beelines/
The seed packs are free and will be given away on a first come, first served basis (one pack per household). Once all the free packs are given out, the events team will not be able to provide any more.