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Declining biodiversity – how can turf play a part? Biodiversity, conservation and urban greening are all hot topics and high on the agenda of Government, conservationists and landscaping bodies around the world. As an industry we are looked at to play a critical part in the sourcing and implementation of solutions that will address the serious challenges we are facing surrounding the decline and potential extinction of many species of pollinators. Biodiversity includes all species of animals and plants – basically everything that is alive on our planet; including human survival which depends upon it. It’s been well reported that the number of insects is falling at an alarming rate and that our own future could be at risk if nothing is done to halt the decline. But, how can we collectively help? Can one industry really make that much of a difference? And where do we even start? As an industry we produce beautiful green
spaces; create community spaces on the top of buildings and design breathtaking landscapes; but can we go further? In short, yes, we can help; from the landscape architects to the garden designers and the contractors we can all play our part. Together our joint contribution and commitment to changing the future will make a difference. Installing wildflower matting is one positive step we can take and will help bees and other pollinators. Wildflowers provide lots of things that insects need: food, shelter and places to breed. In return, insects pollinate the wildflowers, enabling them to develop seeds and spread to grow in other places. These insects are then eaten by birds, bats, reptiles and small mammals, all of whom contribute to the life cycle and so on it goes. Wildflowers are also really helpful in keeping soil healthy. As they become
established, their roots spread and they stabilise the surrounding soil which is especially important on hillsides, where sloping ground is easily washed away if there aren’t roots to help hold the soil in place. If soil isn’t stable, it’s easier for nutrients to be washed into nearby water systems. Where there are wildflowers there will be insects and pollinators; there will be biodiversity. John Chambers Wildflower Matting is easy to install and more landscapers are incorporating wildflower matting on roundabouts, roadside verges, embankments and green roofs – what they can add to an urban scheme pays dividends. It is pre-grown under controlled, specialist conditions and delivered directly to site to provide instant impact and wildlife benefits. As well as ground coverage there are beautiful long-flowering diverse displays.
Turf Matters | MAY-JUNE 2019 | 35