The Coronavirus pandemic has seen the world completely change in a matter of weeks. Everyone is doing their bit to help, with the majority of the population staying at home. Only key workers are allowed to leave the house for work, and people are allowed outside for the essentials. These measures have impacted the environment in a whole number of ways. So how does a worldwide health pandemic enable wildflowers to grow?

Why Are They Growing?

In the UK, many local councils have cut back on mowing the grass beside the road. These small patches of green may not seem like much, but they are one of the few remaining places in the country which allow wildflowers to blossom. This is due to the fact that so many meadows have been made into farmland. Road verges across the country can home up to 700 different kinds of wildflower, and make up for 45% of the UK’s flora. By not mowing them, it allows them to flower and seed. This helps the plants, but also the pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Doing Your Bit

Each individual can play their part when it comes to helping the environment. It’s important during this time to think about the future: what lessons can we learn? It’s been made clear that this little human activity is benefitting the planet – with C02 emissions falling sharply. There are a number of things you can do going forward, especially when it comes to transport. Say if you’re travelling to Brighton from London, you could get the train rather than drive. Or for your commute, walk or cycle more. Think about your own garden and how it can be sustainable.

Taking Action

When it comes to helping the environment – it is a collective effort – every little bit helps. Something as small as a wildflower can make a world of difference. Some local councils who have already enforced changes for grass cutting are Liconlnshire, Flintshire, and Newcastle. One of Europe’s leading conservation charities, Plantlife, are encouraging councils to keep these cutbacks in place in the future. If these plants are given the time to seed, it could hugely benefit the environment.

These promising signs of life are an important reminder to the population: there is hope during this. It is a time to appreciate nature and the small things. Where’s the first place you’ll visit the lockdown is lifted?

How do you feel about the increase in wildflowers?

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