Wildflower Turf Ltd develop collection to boost existing wildflower areas and grasslands
Wildflower Turf Ltd has continued to develop its Enhance Wildflower Biodiversity range, a collection of innovative products designed to boost existing wildflower areas and grasslands.
This range tackles the challenge of enhancing existing wildflower areas and grasslands. We spoke with James Hewetson-Brown, MD and Owner of Wildflower Turf Ltd, to get the inside
scoop:
Q: James, what was the inspiration behind developing the Enhance Range?
A: While our previous offerings focused on creating new wildflower spaces, we recognised the need for solutions to improve and preserve biodiversity in existing ones. As you know, oversowing can have varying results. It often takes years to see any impact and it’s very difficult to establish new species without them being outcompeted by existing plant and grass species. The Enhance range provides a practical and cost-effective alternative to this.
Q: So, what exactly is the Enhance Wildflower Biodiversity range?
A: The products themselves come in the form of a pre-seeded growing medium. That makes it sound simple, but it’s a collection of innovative products that blend cutting-edge science with ecological care. For many years now we have been growing and harvesting our own wildflower seed at the farm just outside Basingstoke. Having control enables us to produce a seed crop that is correctly handled as soon as it is harvested, ensuring it is as viable as possible. We are also hugely fortunate to have a lab onsite. These facilities have enabled us to scientifically develop a substrate that provides the optimal environment to incubate the seed, giving it the best start in life. The combination of the premium seed and specially formulated substrate enables us to significantly improve germination rates and the speed of wildflower establishment.
Q: You mention it significantly improves germination rates and establishment time. Can you tell us more?
A: Absolutely. These products are designed for rapid establishment. They boast an impressive germination rate of up to 93%. In terms of establishment times, the species included fully establish within 3-18 months, which when compared to 3-5 years for traditional seeding is a significant improvement. That 3-18 month range is quite broad because the time of year that you install the product impacts the speed of establishment. For example, installing in the Autumn will see speedy germination however, it will stay dormant over Winter, before bursting back into life in the Spring and Summer.
Q: That’s impressive. Are there any chemicals within the substrate that enable you to achieve such rapid results?
A: That’s the brilliant part, the whole range is completely chemical and peat free! It’s made of 100% natural ingredients as well as native seeds. The product’s purpose is to enhance biodiversity, so it was important to us to ensure ecological integrity both above and below the surface.
Q: Sounds great! So, there are five products within the range, is that right?
That’s right. There’s Bees, Butterflies, Birds, and Grass Control, which uses Yellow Rattle to rebalance biodiversity by suppressing dominant grass species. We also offer a Bespoke option which allows anyone to select specific species that they would like to add into an existing habitat. This is perfect for attracting specific wildlife or supporting site specific requirements to achieve BNG.
Q: It sounds like you and the team have put a lot of work into the Enhance Range. Where can our readers go to find out more about its impact and how it can help them?
A: They can visit our website www.wildflowerturf.co.uk/products/enhance or call our team on 01256 771 222.
