Enhancing Biodiversity with Wildflower Verges & Roundabouts
Location: Marsh Mills Roundabout, Plymouth
Product used: Wildflower Turf® Native Enriched & Meadowscape Pro™ Bespoke mix
Project Size: 2,300m²
Project Goal
To commemorate the 400-year anniversary of the Mayflower’s historic crossing from Plymouth to the USA, YGS Landscapes and Plymouth City Council wanted to create an installation on the Marsh Mills roundabout, at the entrance to the city.
The Solution
YGS Landscapes and Plymouth City Council worked closely with Wildflower Turf Ltd to give the roundabout a wildflower makeover. The project involved the installation of 1800m² of a bespoke Meadowscape Pro™ mix. The bespoke mix was designed to achieve maximum visual appeal.
A further 500m² of Wildflower Turf® Native Enriched was also added onto the outer ring of the roundabout to further enhance the roundabout’s aesthetic appeal but more importantly to create a vital habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The Outcome
Due to COVID-19 lockdowns, the planned Spring 2020 installation was delayed. However, the project ultimately came to fruition in early April 2021, resulting in a beautiful display of wildflowers in the Summer months. The Marsh Mills roundabout transformation was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from locals and visitors alike.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the Marsh Mills roundabout now offers a multitude of ecological benefits, by creating a thriving ecosystem that supports a diverse range of wildlife, including bird and mammals.
In addition, by creating a wildflower meadow on the roundabout also provided cost savings. Unlike traditional grass verges and roundabouts, wildflowers only require one maintenance cut per year, making this solution cost effective while delivering substantial ecological and aesthetic benefits.
Photo Credits: YDS Landscapes