On a sunny Sunday morning in October, 2023

Lots of chatter could be heard at the Mountfield bus stop as Growing Hollingdean volunteers gathered with tools and spring bulbs. Wild flowers seeds were harvested and we piled the cut back vegetation around the two nut trees. This creates habitat for over wintering insects whilst it breaks down into mulch to feed the walnut trees. Where flowers were still in bloom, we left them for the bees to enjoy. Claire bought native narcissi and snowdrops spring bulbs with funds donated by St Matthias. We planted them round the edges of the patch.

Finally, the ground was raked and seeded with yellow rattle, to germinate in the spring. Yellow rattle are wildflowers that seek out the roots of grasses growing nearby. They draw water and nutrients from grass roots, suppressing grasses by as much as 60%, which makes room for other wildflowers to bloom. This helps create a more biodiverse and colourful meadow. Watch this space to see how it all works next year!

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