Don't Mow Let it Grow campaign discovers rare native wildflower
Mon, June 26, 2017
A rare native wildflower has been discovered on a roadside verge currently being protected from cutting as part of environmental initiative.
The bee orchid has not been seen in the area for years but is now making a comeback thanks to Causeway Coast and Glens Council's 'Don't Mow Let It Grow' campaign.
Instead of manicured verges that are home to nothing more than vigorous grass, dockens and the occasional dandelion, the council-backed initiative encourages insect-friendly, native flora like orchids, bird's-foot-trefoil, vetches and clover.
Causeway Coast and Glen’s biodiversity officer Rachel Bain, who leads the 'Don't Mow Let It Grow' initiative, said she was "thrilled" with the discovery.
"It is amazing to see that the project is truly making a difference and that rare wildflowers not seen in this area for quite some time are beginning to come back again. It demonstrates the huge positive impact of allowing important biodiversity projects such as 'Don't Mow Let It Grow' to continue to work to protect our native plants and pollinators and the wider environment by the positive management of our grasslands.”
‘Don’t’ Mow, Let It Grow’ is managed by Causeway Coast and Glens District Council in conjunction with DFI Roads and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency, and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.
To find out more please visit www.dontmowletitgrow.com
The rare bee orchid that is growing on a unmown verge.