Back in August 2020 a small team of dedicated volunteers decided to create a wildflower meadow on some underutilised ground at our Eshott apiary. The following February saw a mini tracked excavator clear an area of 375m2 and an AP2 Eco Wildflower Seed Mix was planted.
This mix was 100% wildflowers and in particular: Corn Chamomile, Corn Cockle, Corn Marigold, Corn Poppy, Cornflower, Common Vetch, Birdsfoot Trefoil, Bulbous Buttercup, Common Knapweed, Ladys Bedstraw, Lucerne, Oxeye Daisy, Phacelia, Red Campion, Sainfoin, Salad Burnet, Self Heal, White Campion, Wild Carrot, Yarrow & Yellow Rattle
A grid was marked on the prepared ground, the seed was weighed and the team of volunteers started scattering the seed mix.
Those who have created a wildflower meadow know that the first year is the most critical for weed control and this was highlighted during early visits in 2021. The initial four months involved quite a bit of thistle pulling. Strong gloves were the order of the day!
However everyone was rewarded for all of their efforts as by June 2021 there were lots of seedlings appearing, followed in July by a stunning display of flowers and this continued well into October.
The Wildflower meadow team also successfully secured 105 saplings FOC from the Woodland Trust, which consisted of a Wild Wood blend of hazel, crab apple, downy birch, hawthorn and goat willow.
By the end of the year all the wildflower plants were cut down in October with the intention of allowing them to self-seed.
Since that time the meadow has been maintained by the group of volunteers.
Any member is most welcome to job the wildflower meadow team and should contact the Secretary who will be happy to answer any queries.
Alnwick and District Beekeepers Association 
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