More wild flowers than ever for Swansea this summer

More wild flowers than ever before will brighten up Swansea this summer.

Over 41,000 square metres of wild flowers will be planted during April and May in readiness for bloom from the middle of June – that’s 11,000 more square metres than last year.

More than 180 roundabouts, roadside verges and parks – about 60 more than last year – will benefit from the Swansea Council scheme. In total, the wild flowers this summer will cover land equivalent to about seven football pitches in size.

Parks service staff are currently spraying each location with herbicide in preparation for the sewing of seeds.

The wild flowers scheme is funded by Swansea Council, Community Councils and local Ward Members via their environmental allowances.

Simon Lydiard, from Swansea Council’s parks service, said: “The wild flowers scheme has been extremely popular with residents and visitors since being first introduced, so I’m pleased to say preparations have now started for their return this summer.

“It’s a terrific scheme because it raises people’s spirits, improves the look of the city and boosts biodiversity by attracting more bees and other pollinators to urban areas.

“We’ve been in discussions with Ward Members and Community Councils for some time about planting locations this summer, and will soon be able to let people know which roundabouts, roadside verges and parks will benefit over coming months.”

Seed mixtures will include rainbow annual, colour bouquets orange, and carpet red and gold. The council’s parks service also works in partnership with the Friends of the Botanical Gardens, who sell the seeds during their plant sale events.

The wild flower scheme was one of a number of sustainable initiatives that led to the council winning a Sustain Wales award for excellence late last year.