Glasgow Wildflower Planting to Help Nature Recover

Published: 2 Ocotber 2023

Millions of bulbs and wildflowers are being planted across Glasgow to create valuable wildlife habits for birds and pollinators.

Glasgow City Council has teamed up with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) to grow flowers which will provide a rich food source for birds, bees, butterflies and moths. It comes as the RSPB's State of Nature 2023 report found that 11% of Scottish species are threatened with extinction and Scottish wildlife has decreased on average by 15% since 1994. Glasgow's new Green Connectors planting will provide nectar and seeds to sustain species have suffered due to habitat loss and to provide homes for insects.

Trees and hedgerows will also be planted and more grassland areas will be cut less often to reduce the amount of diesel used in mowers and the number of insects and small mammals killed or maimed by the blades. This Green Connectors work will help create a network of routes linking existing locations which are rich in biodiversity and enabling insects to feed while travelling between sites such as parks and other greenspaces. The council has also pledged to create more wetland areas to help reduce surface water flooding and provide habitat for amphibians like frogs and toads.

A 3.3km stretch of central reservation on Great Western Road from Duntreath Avenue in Drumchapel to Anniesland Cross is being transformed as part of the citywide project which will receive £1.5million in funding. Nectar rich spring / summer flowering bulbs and 10,000m2 of wildflowers are being planted which will look attractive as well as nurturing wildlife. The bulbs are being planted now and the flowers will be planted next spring. The plants will include cowslips, grape hyacinth, narcissus, ox eye daisies, snakes head fritillary and crocus. 

Councillor Angus Millar, Glasgow's Convener for Climate, said: "This work to give nature a helping hand is vital as shown by the RSPB's State of Nature report. Eleven percent of Scottish species are threatened with extinction which is really alarming, but changing the way we manage our greenspaces  can help nature recover. We want to work with nature, rather than against it, to boost biodiversity and enable it to recover and flourish. We want animals, butterflies and bees to thrive in the city.

"As well as being beneficial to wildlife, once established, the wildflowers will also enhance the local environment and the trees will provide shade for people as well as soaking up carbon and excess rain water. Plans are in place for sites across the city, so everyone wins - humans, wildlife and the environment."