Bringing colour and biodiversity to Romsey Abbey, a Meadowscape Pro™ success story.
Location: Romsey, Hampshire
Product used: Meadowscape Pro™ Native Enriched
Project Size: 2,196m²
Project Overview
For several years, despite efforts by the Test Valley Borough Council, the North Churchyard at Romsey Abbey remained a stagnant area lacking in diversity. Recognising the need for improvement, as part of the council’s ‘Urban Meadows Project’ this area was transformed. In partnership with Romsey Abbey, the council sought a solution to create a biodiverse area whilst maintaining aesthetic appeal. Wildflower Turf Ltd’s Meadowscape Pro™ was the perfect choice!
The Solution
Meadowscape Pro™ is an enhanced peat free growing medium used for effective wildflower establishment. Boasting a unique feature, Hydropor™ which facilitates both efficient water percolation and retention, fostering a stable environment ideal for seed germination. This advantage surpasses conventional direct seeding methods, promoting more successful wildflower meadow establishment. Beyond its environmental benefits, Meadowscape Pro™ offered several practical advantages which influenced its selection for the North Churchyard project. Firstly, the location demanded a ‘no-dig’ solution, eliminating the need for disruptive groundwork. Another key objective was to not only increase biodiversity but do so in a visually appealing way to visitors and locals. Requiring minimal maintenance, with only one maintenance cut a year, and being a cost effective solution for creating green spaces, Meadowscape Pro™, offered the perfect solution.
The Results
In Spring 2024, Test Valley Borough Council installed over 2000m² of our Native Enriched Meadowscape Pro™. A mix of native and naturalised, perennial and annual wildflowers. Within a few months, the meadow was thriving, showcasing a vibrant display of wildflowers. The wildflower meadow delighted locals and visitors alike and attracted a diverse range of pollinators and wildlife. The improved ecological value of the area will consequently improve air quality and help to absorb rainwater helping to reduce stormwater runoff.
The success of this project demonstrates the potential that Meadowscape Pro™ has to revitalise stagnant areas and create beautiful, biodiverse wildflower meadows. By incorporating green spaces and biodiversity into urban environments, communities can enhance their quality of life, improve air and water quality, and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This initiative serves as a model for other communities and councils seeking to enhance their local ecosystems and create sustainable and thriving green spaces.
Photo Credits: Test Valley Borough Council