Technical Notes 2021, Issue 39 - Wildflower Meadow Creation

1. The purpose of this Technical Note is to provide Elected Members with information on the types and locations of wildflower meadows to be created in 2021/22 across East Dunbartonshire. There is a mix of meadow types proposed. These are:

1. Native traditional meadows – created by clearing the site and sowing with a native wildflower meadow mix. These meadows include both grasses and wildflowers.
2. Pictorial wildflowers – created by clearing the site and sowing with a native pictorial wildflower mix. These are 100% wildflowers and so produce a vibrant and colourful display. Pictorial meadows can be native, non-native or a mix of both, however, they are always nectar-rich.  
3. Reduction in mowing regime - these are areas of amenity grass where wildflowers are already present in the sward. Reducing the cutting regime allows the existing plants to flower and set seed. The areas proposed for less intensive management are proposed as a trial and will be monitored over the course of the year.  

2. All meadows will be maintained with a mown perimeter and/or a wide amenity grass edge where adjacent to a road.

3. Indicative maps are provided below showing the locations and type of the proposed meadow.

Background

4. Wildflower rich meadows are now rare across the country. Changes in agricultural practices and urbanisation have contributed to their loss, and led to fragmentation of habitat which has resulted in huge declines in pollinator species.
    
5. Recreating traditional wildflower meadows, introducing pictorial meadows and relaxing mowing regimes in suitable areas will provide excellent habitat and food sources for wildlife including pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hoverflies.

6. Over the past ten years the Council has worked with community groups, volunteers and partners, including Buglife Scotland, to plant over 64,580 square metres of nectar rich meadows across East Dunbartonshire.


7. Creating and managing wildflower areas across the authority helps the Council deliver on objectives in the East Dunbartonshire Local Biodiversity Action Plan; contributes to our statutory duty for biodiversity as a public body; and supports the Pollinator Strategy for Scotland.

Meadow Locations

8. Bearsden and Milngavie

Cluny Park, Bearsden – Traditional wildflower meadow

The existing meadow is shown in blue. Areas of red show the proposed extension while still leaving adequate area of amenity grass within the park.

Bonnaughton Rd, Bearsden – Pictorial meadow

Langfaulds, Bearsden – Traditional wildflower meadow

Stirling Ave, Bearsden – Reduced mowing regime with amenity perimeter cut

Bailie Dr, Bearsden – Traditional wildflower meadow

Kilmardinny Loch Local Nature Reserve – Reduced mowing regime

Switchback Rd, Bearsden – Reduced mowing regime with amenity cut to road edge

Allander Toll – Traditional wildflower meadow

9. Bishopbriggs & Torrance

Tower Rd, Torrance – Pictorial Meadow

Kirkintilloch Rd, Bishopbriggs – Traditional wildflower meadow

10. Kirkintilloch & Villages

Crosshill Rd, Lenzie – Traditional wildflower meadow

Woodhead Park, Kirkintilloch – pictorial meadow