Wildlife and Wildflowers

South Derbyshire’s Climate and Environment Strategy includes protecting and enhancing wildlife, due to the ecological crises.

South Derbyshire is part of the Lowland Derbyshire Biodiversity Action Plan (LDBAP)  which is still current though finished in 2020 and the Council has built on this through the Climate and Environment Action Plan as a South Derbyshire “Action Plan for Nature” to enhance this report and support the upcoming Environmental bill. Find out more about South Derbyshire Climate and Environment Emergency here.

The Council have an Environmental Volunteering scheme for anyone to take part and an Environmental Forum.

The Council’s Biodiversity Working Group have been reviewing council land to look at opportunities for biodiversity which is all part of the South Derbyshire District Council Strategic Action Plan for Nature.

You can read about the successful First Impressions 2021 campaign launch which aims to aims to encourage wildflower growth and improve biodiversity on roadsides and across the South Derbyshire.

There is a diverse range of approaches that can be taken in respect of introducing increased biodiversity and more flora which is beneficial to pollinators, the Council's recent trials were based around sowing pictorial seed mixes. Success can take a number of years, and our own pilot is set to run for four years as this was considered to be the minimum to establish how the process works in both urban and rural settings. With pictorial seeds there is a need to reseed every year.

Further information

On the right hand column is a useful guide (mainly for rural verges) and you can find out more information using the links below:

 

Gallery

  • A roadside verge pictured during last year’s First Impressions pilot planting project
  • Wildflowers, July 2021