Additional Expert Opinions
These articles, from a range of experts, offer more information on why natural regeneration is a much better, more sustainable option for creating biodiversity meadows. Some also address the concerns that many ecologists have on the negative impact commerical wildflower seed can have on our biodiversity.
-
The case against ‘wildflower’ seed mixtures (2021) Dublin Naturalists’ Field Club
- Which is better for pollinators – a sown ornamental wildflower meadow or a biodiversity meadow created by reduced mowing? (2021) MSc research project, Trinity College Dublin
- The importance of species-rich meadows and grasslands – even mini ones! (2021) Dr Maria Long, National Parks and Wildlife Service
- Spreading Seeds of Doubt – fake ‘wildflower’ mixes (2021) Dr Noeleen Smyth, National Botanic Gardens
- Why ‘wildflower seed’ is a prickly issue (2021) Prof Yvonne Buckley, Trinity College Dublin
- Does the lockdown bring any silver linings? – Rare orchids return as mowing stops (2020) Dr Mark McCorry & Dr Fiona MacGowan, Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland
- Don’t mow, let it grow – and amazing things will happen! (2020) Dr Úna FitzPatrick, National Biodiversity Data Centre
- Practical advice on managing wildflower meadows – how natural meadows are flourishing under management practices of the Irish Wildlife Trust Laois/Offaly branch (2020) Anne Sundermann, Ricky Whelan and Brian Gaynor
- Reducing mowing for pollinators – brilliant for bees, harder for humans! (2019) Dr Úna FitzPatrick, National Biodiversity Data Centre
- Wildflowers – to plant or not to plant? Why buying wildflower seed is not always helpful (2019) Prof Jane Stout, Botany Dept, Trinity College Dublin