How wildflower meadow at Cambridge University boosts biodiversity

By Alice Clifford via SWNS

Planting a wildflower meadow amid the dreaming spires of Cambridge University has increased biodiversity and slashed greenhouse gases, reveals a new study.

Through needing less maintenance and fertilization, the meadow at King’s College saved an estimated 1.36 tonnes of CO2 per hectare each year when compared with an average grass lawn.

It also helped biodiversity thrive by supporting three times as many species of plants, spiders and bugs.

Of these species, 14 had conservation designations, which are species listed in international agreements, UK legislation or have a specific status such as being rare.

Terrestrial invertebrate biomass was found to be 25 times higher in the meadow, with triple the bat activity over the meadow than over the remaining lawn.

Surface reflectance also rose by more than 25 percent, meaning more rays from the sun reflected off the surface of the ground instead of being absorbed into the Earth.

Through this, the urban heat island effect was reduced, leaving the meadow more able to tolerate an intensified drought.

Urban heat island effect happens when natural land cover is replaced with pavements, buildings or other surfaces that take in and retain heat.

It can cause a rise in higher energy costs, air pollution and heat-related illnesses.

To reach their results, a team from the university carried out surveys over three years to see the difference between a wildflower meadow and an adjacent grass lawn.

The Cambridge community was overwhelmingly in favor of planting meadows, with just under two percent preferring a grass lawn.

While the support was high, many did say that green space for recreation was still vital.

Study author Dr. Cicely Marshall, a researcher in the University of Cambridge’s Department of Plant Sciences, said: “There’s no doubt that the introduction of the meadow has been an unqualified success; not only has it had a hugely beneficial impact on our biodiversity within the College, but it’s also captured the imagination of so many people across the city and beyond.”

Head of King’s College, Professor Michael Proctor, added: “The wildflower meadow has inspired us to think more about how we look after and enhance our biodiversity, and has brought to attention just how much has been lost.

“We hope its presence in this iconic setting will motivate others to think about sustainability and to consider planting their own meadows elsewhere.”

The study was published in the journal Ecological Solutions and Evidence.