Wildflowers planted in hay meadow restoration bid

Thousands of wildflowers are being planted in the Lake District as part of efforts to restore traditional hay meadows.

More than 5,500 are being plug planted during September at Boon Crag Farm on the shores of Coniston.

Once established, they will provide habitat for wildlife including bees and butterflies, as well as providing benefits to grazing livestock, the National Trust (NT) said.

In partnership with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, a number of planting days have been held with volunteers and children from Coniston CE Primary School.

NT said the wildflowers "are all species that thrive in the Lake District countryside" and have been grown at the wildlife trust's nursery in Carlisle.

Luke Knowles, an NT ranger, said: "Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows, which now only cover 1% of the land.

"Species-rich grasslands, like hay meadows, support ecosystems by increasing pollination, improving soil health and providing nutritious food to livestock."

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