Just behind the Orbit ( the bizarre twisted red sculpture next to the stadium) and the world's largest McDonalds, there are some beautiful floral displays, a bit past their best now but still impressive. Some of these have been planted with a variety of annuals, many of which would have graced our arable fields 50 years ago including cornflower, corn marigold and viper's bugloss. There are also special nectar areas featuring red clover and wild marjoram being put to good use by bees and butterflies. These planted areas including a wetland area and a great British garden complete with a tranquil pond, form a butterfly walk along the river Lea which winds its way through the whole site. I even saw some millet and what looked like red quinoa in one plot - a sort of urban wild bird mix perhaps?
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| Cornfield annuals and other wildflowers in Olympic park Sept 2012 |
What struck me was the informality of it; far removed from formal flower beds of many British parks, more like an 'urban farm';one doing loads of options under Environmental Stewardship. There were clear benefits to wildlife and people judging by the numbers of both taking advantage of these areas..
If we adopt more of these wildflower areas in our gardens (both public and private) as well as on our farms our lives would be so much richer and biodiversity would really benefit. Projects in Liverpool getting locals involved with planting up areas of derelict land with native wildflowers have had the unexpected outcome of reducing anti social behaviour. Maybe we could return to those days I remember from my childhood in the 70's when on a 200 mile trip to Devon, my dad would have to clear the windscreen of insects repeatedly, and the number plate would be plastered with tiny dead bodies when we arrived.
Next time - how to establish wildflower areas on the farm or even in your garden.
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| Great British Garden right behind Olympic Stadium |
