A once ordinary patch of lawn in Birdworld’s Wildlife Garden is being transformed into a colourful haven for wildflowers, insects and native birds as part of our latest rewilding project.

Working alongside Basingstoke-based wildflower specialists Wildflower Co., we’ve introduced 75m² of native wildflower turf to the Wildlife Garden, helping us create a richer, more natural habitat for wildlife to thrive.

The turf features Wildflower Co.’s Landscape 34 mix, which includes a variety of UK-native wildflowers such as oxeye daisy, cowslip and common knapweed. It’s already been laid in the Wildlife Garden, in the heart of the Park, and will continue to establish over the coming months.

What will the wildflower area mean for wildlife?

By spring 2027, we hope to see the area bursting into life with colourful wildflowers and grasses. As it grows, it will provide an important source of food and shelter for a variety of wildlife.

The flowers will attract pollinating insects, including bees and butterflies, while the grasses and plants will create shelter for other invertebrates and small mammals.

And where there are bugs, there are birds!

The new habitat will also provide additional feeding opportunities for native bird species such as greenfinches, starlings and house sparrows, all of which have experienced significant declines across the UK.

A little help goes a long way

Using established wildflower turf means we can create a wildlife-friendly area much more quickly than starting from scratch.

Mandy Glass, our Conservation Education Team Lead, said:

“The turf is already really well established, which puts us months, if not years, ahead of trying to create an area like this from scratch. Our Conservation Education and Grounds teams are incredibly grateful and excited to see it come to life in the spring.

“The lawn that was there before offered very little for wildlife, with few opportunities for insects and other species to find food or shelter. Replacing it with native wildflowers and grasses will create a much richer habitat and we’re extremely excited to see which new visitors make their home at Birdworld once it comes into bloom.”

Supporting wildlife beyond our birds

Creating more wildlife-friendly spaces is an important part of Birdworld’s wider commitment to conservation. One of our seven conservation goals focuses on strengthening our role in UK native species conservation.

Projects like this, alongside pollinator-friendly planting, ponds and other natural habitats around the Park, help us make more space for the wildlife that lives alongside us.

We’re looking forward to seeing the wildflower area develop over the winter and burst into life from spring 2027. Keep an eye out on your next visit to see how it’s getting on!