Wildflower success creates haven for wildlife and staff wellbeing
A biodiversity project at the Trust's Kernow Building in Pool is transforming a small patch of land on a busy industrial estate into a thriving haven for wildlife. There are nearly 200 wild orchids now flourishing on site and signs that valuable pollinators are making themselves at home.
Staff have been working with the Trust's Estates Team to create a greener, more wildlife-friendly outdoor environment that supports biodiversity while enhancing staff wellbeing.
Over the past 2 years, selected grassed areas around the site have been left uncut during the spring and summer months, moving away from traditional mowing practices and allowing nature to flourish.
The results have exceeded expectations.
The longer grass has created a meadow-style habitat that is attracting a range of pollinating insects. This includes bees, butterflies, and hoverflies. A colony of yellow meadow ants has also established itself within the site, creating anthills among the grasses.
One of the most remarkable successes has been the appearance of wild orchids in an area bordering the car park. This year,196 orchids have been counted.
Kelly Uren, who works in the Kernow Building, said:
"The Kernow Building sits within a bustling industrial estate. But we have been trying to turn our small patch of land into a calm oasis for both staff and local wildlife. By working with the Estates team and allowing some areas to grow naturally, we are now seeing the real benefits of that approach.
"We are delighted by the number of orchids that have appeared this year. To count 196 orchids in what is quite a small, grassed area is great and shows what can happen when nature is given the chance to thrive. Orchids are also a great indicator of healthy soil. It is a really encouraging sign that biodiversity is improving across the site."
The site has also enjoyed another biodiversity milestone, with what are believed to be leafcutter bees making use of a bee hotel installed to support local pollinators.
Staff have also found 3 nesting cells filled with pollen and eggs and carefully sealed with leaves, ready for the next generation of bees to emerge. Kelly added:
"This is really exciting because the bee hotel was not used at all last year. We now have 3 cells that have been filled and sealed by what we believe are leafcutter bees. It is a great sign that our efforts are creating a genuine sanctuary for pollinators."
Research suggests that once solitary bees begin using a bee hotel, other bees are more likely to follow. Solitary bees forage only a few hundred metres from their nesting sites. Their presence is a positive indication that the surrounding habitat is providing valuable food and shelter. Kelly said:
"Who knows how many more of these nesting holes will be occupied before the summer is out? "The fact that these bees are choosing to nest here suggests the habitat we are creating is supporting pollinating species in the local area. This is exactly what we hoped to achieve."
The expanding range of wildlife on site provides encouraging signs that the habitat is maturing. Staff recently recorded a new addition to the species list when a grasshopper was spotted among the vegetation. Shortly afterwards, the distinctive chirping of several more grasshoppers could be heard from the grassy bank. This suggests a small population may now be using the area. Kelly continued:
"It was lovely to see a very handsome grasshopper hop out in front of me while I was watering our pot plants. Then, just around the corner, I could hear a cluster of grasshoppers chirping from the grassy bank. It is such great news that word is getting around in the insect world that we are here. Every new species we record feels like confirmation that the habitat is becoming richer and more diverse."
The project is also helping to create a better outdoor space for staff.
Staff stepping outside the building are often greeted by sparrows chirping from nearby shrubs, dust bathing in the car park and making use of nest boxes installed last winter. The scent of meadow grasses and the increased presence of wildlife are helping to create a calmer area. Kelly said:
"It is great to step outside and hear sparrows singing, see insects busy among the wildflowers and enjoy the smell of meadow grass. It is helping to make the area feel greener, calmer and more connected with nature. This can have a real positive impact on wellbeing during the working day."
The success of the project shows how even small changes in land management can make a significant difference to local wildlife and biodiversity, regardless of the size or location of the space.
What was once a regularly mown patch of grass within a busy industrial estate is increasingly becoming a thriving wildlife refuge, proving that nature can flourish when given the opportunity.