Cumbria's Wildflower Boom: Over 125,000 Plants Boost Habitats for Pollinators
By Jill Dando News
More than 125,000 wildflowers have been planted across Cumbria over the past two years, transforming 159 acres of land—equivalent to 99 football pitches—into vital habitats for pollinators and wildlife.
Thanks to the efforts of hundreds of volunteers, community groups, landowners and generous funders, wildflower meadows, parks, and reserves across the county have been restored or newly created.
The work has significantly improved biodiversity and helped reverse the decline of bees, butterflies and other essential insects.
Much of the planting began at Gosling Sike, Cumbria Wildlife Trust’s award-winning nursery near Carlisle, where wildflowers were grown from seed before being distributed across the region.
In Eden, 51 acres of habitat have been revitalised at Cold Springs and Thacka Beck nature reserves near Penrith. Cold Springs, the Trust’s first-ever community nature reserve, has seen local people of all ages planting trees, hedges, and native wildflowers like red campion, violets and tufted vetch.
A further 8,000 plug plants were planted by 177 residents at four community sites across Eden, supported by Westmorland & Furness Council’s Eden Locality Board.
In the Lake District, the Coast to Fell project restored 71 acres of species-rich grasslands at 16 sites, including meadows near Ullswater and Coniston. Working with farmers and the National Trust, the project has linked up fragmented habitats to help pollinators thrive.
In South Cumbria, staff from Lakeland Ltd got their hands dirty planting wildflowers near the company’s Windermere headquarters.
Meanwhile, 267 volunteers helped plant 16,000 wildflower plugs across community green spaces in Kendal, Ulverston and Milnthorpe, thanks to funding from Westmorland & Furness Council and Kendal Town Council.
Tanya St Pierre, Grassland and Pollinator Team Manager at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, praised the collaborative effort:
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our partners, funders and the brilliant volunteers who’ve worked so hard. Their efforts are not only helping pollinators but creating special places for communities too.”
She added:
“With further projects beginning this year—including the new Cumbria Seed Bank—our work to restore flower-rich grasslands will continue. Every action for nature makes a difference.”
The Trust’s ongoing work is supported by funding from organisations including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Natural England, National Highways, and local councils.
Upcoming initiatives will continue across Eden and South Lakeland, with more community planting events and training planned throughout the year.
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