An exciting rewilding project is underway in Aberglasney Gardens where director of operations Jim Stribling has decided to move away from conventional lawns in favour of establishing sustainable grasslands and wild flower meadows.

And this summer visitors can see for themselves the new wildflower meadow at it’s very best.

“Individually and in combination, the rewilded areas are now supporting a much greater level of biodiversity than traditional amenity grasses ever could,” explained Jim Stribling.

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“ The most notable changes have been that honeybees and bumblebees are now far more common with the result that our honey crop has improved consideably. And mammals such as field mice and invertebrate pollinators are now being spotted far more frequently since wildflower species have recolonised in the grasslands.”

Jim went on to say that turf grass has little environmental nor ecological benefits. As a result, the Aberglasney team has instead created meadowlands which are essential in supporting and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

The project, which was started ten years ago, is headlined by the annual meadow situated at the top of the garden, where a variety of British native wildflowers can be found at their best from June to October. These include traditional favourites such as corn chamomile, corn cockle, annual corn flower, corn marigold, corn poppy, white campion and ladies smock.

The woodlands meadows, which comprises mainly oak and beech trees, are now being woodland managed with the aim of reducing grasses, brambles and nettles and encouraging woodland flowers such as celandine, bluebell and wood anemone.

The other wildflower areas included in the project comprise the long grass area, the evolution meadow and the spring bulb meadow.

“The aim of this project has been to create sustainable grasslands and wildflower meadows without compromising visitor experience,” added Jim, “ and the team are extremely happy with the results in all cases.

“The public have been extremely supportive of what we’re doing and there seems to have been a very positive change in opinion with people welcoming our biodiversity areas, the long grasses and the wildflower meadows. We really hope that the work and results will now inspire others to start rewilding their own gardens and green spaces.”