1. Buffer zone area:
Paths:
Buffer zones are created in
order to enhance the
protection of a
conservation area. If left as
intended they can grow into
thriving habitats for insects,
mammals and amphibians.
Rather than blocking off
areas completely paths
have been made through
the area. We must stick to
these paths so as not to
destroy habitats of insects
and small mammals.
Why create Buffer Zones?
Saving Costs
Not only does creating buffer
zones attract an array of plant and
animal biodiversity but it also
saves mowing costs and time.
Insects
Bumblebees
Bees don’t just make honey, they pollinate a
third of the food we eat! Unfortunately,
honeybee numbers have fallen by up to 30% in
recent years. A wild flower meadow may be the
answer in increasing numbers of bees around
our site as the surplus of pollen and nectar
attract the bumblebees.
Butterflies
Washout 2012 was the worst year for UK
butterflies on record with 52 out of the 56
species monitored suffering declines. Wild
flower meadows are the natural home for
butterflies as the thick growth can shelter them
from predators and allow them to recover body
heat ready for flight.
Plant life
Wildflower meadows offer a diverse, and
very attractive, habitat for the pleasure of
young and old alike. Not only does it
benefit the aesthetics of an urban
environment but the plant diversity attracts
an array of insects and other invertebrates,
birds and mammals. In recent years over
95% of our wildflower meadows have
disappeared. This is due to their “untidy”
look in Urban environments and the height
of the meadow in comparison to mowed
grass surrounding.
We have an array of plants on site at Ricoh
including; Cowslip, Red Campion, Ragged
Robin and Ox-eye Daisy.
Small Mammals and Birds
Wild flower meadow provides the perfect
hunting ground for small mammals and bird
due to the vast array of insect and plant
life. The thick undergrowth also provides
shelter and protection from larger predators
such as foxes, large birds and large
mammals.
Recently three onsite surveys have been
carried out and have shown clear evidence
of the presence of Bank voles, yellow neck
mice and pygmy shrews.
There has also been sightings of Buzzards,
Blue tits and Pied Wagtails.
Ashlee Savage R1785
Sites 3&4:
Wildflower buffer
zones and paths