Target reached!
Run some bioblitz events with the local community + provide some equipment to monito...
Keyham Bioboost Project
Plymouth, United Kingdom
Aim
To improve biodiversity for people and insects through planting wildflower meadows at community spaces in Keyham.
We want to build on the relationship established with the Wolseley Trust, which saw us plant 4 mini meadows at Scott Business Park, and provide signage for tenants and customers of the business park to engage in documenting the insects and plants on site.
We want to continue the story of positive environmental messaging by establishing as many urban native wildflower meadows as possible in the Keyham area to improve biodiversity. This will include local schools and public green spaces.
Working in collaboration with the Green Communities team in Keyham, we plan to offer educational sessions linked to the National Curriculum to develop biodiversity in schools’ grounds. We plan to give students the opportunity to learn about plants and animals in their school’s green spaces through ecological monitoring in the form of a bioblitz. Using ecological evaluation of the school site, we will facilitate student-led plans to develop a range of habitats for wildlife, including sowing and exploring the benefits of wildlife meadows. We will offer regular contact to teachers to ensure meadows are maintained, and plan further sessions with schools so they feel supported and empowered to continue to improve their green spaces independently.
What is a bioblitz?
Bioblitzes engage community members in documenting local biodiversity over a set time. This can raise awareness of biodiversity, connect people to nature, build community cohesion, inform conservation efforts, and encourage citizen science participation. Pollenize conducts bioblitzes using the iNaturalist app.
What is iNaturalist?
The free iNaturalist app digitally records observations with time, date, and location stamps, supporting accurate and automated data collection. It creates research-quality data for scientists, and there is no need to be an expert or botanist to partake in bioblitz, making it accessible to many.
How to stay connected to the project?
We will install signage at each meadow patch allowing you to further contribute to the data collection via a QR code. The QR code will direct you to the iNaturalist page where you can sign up, create a profile, search for the project, for example, 'Keyham Nature Counts', and then join that project and become a citizen scientist and help collect valuable data on biodiversity
Why does it all matter?
A recent Environment Agency study shows 41% of England's native flora and fauna species have considerably decreased since 1970, with 15% at serious risk of extinction. Pollinators are key to our food supply, without them, we can expect to see more empty shelves in supermarkets.
Why are wildflower meadows important?
Urban Wildflower Meadows
- Increased biodiversity: Wildflower meadows attract a wide variety of pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects. These pollinators are essential for the reproduction of many plants, including crops.
- Reduced stress levels: Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress levels and improve mental health. Wildflower meadows provide a peaceful and relaxing environment where people can escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
- Reduced soil erosion: Wildflower meadows help to stabilise soil and reduce erosion. This is especially important in urban areas, where soil is often disturbed by construction and other activities.
- Improved water quality: Wildflower meadows help to filter stormwater runoff and reduce pollution. This can help to improve the quality of water in local rivers and streams.
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: Wildflower meadows help to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. This can help to mitigate the effects of climate change.
Sponsor a metre-squared of wildflowers!
Contribute towards establishing the mini meadows across Keyham. Every seed packet bought will cover an area of 1 metre squared.
What's in the packet?
Our unique seed packet recipe has been chosen to benefit the most number of pollinator species (Bees, Butterflies & Hoverflies) over the longest flowering period to ensure there is plenty of pollen and nectar as well as associated insects to promote complex healthy habitats and food webs.
- 34 Native wildflower species, carefully selected from reputable and traceable sources in the U.K
- 5 different species of specialist grass seed to ensure healthy food webs can be created.
Plymouth City Council has provided £2,500 of match funding
Aviva Community Fund has provided £613 of match funding
Aviva Employee Giving has provided £240 of match funding
This project successfully funded on 31st October 2024