Bowtown estate before planting

As part of our consultancy package a site report was provided to NIHE which included project design, ground preparation, seed mix recommendations, management and maintenance instructions, and recommendations for local community involvement in the project. The site was sown by ‘hydroseeding’ in 2008. For more information on hydroseeding see our ‘Specialised Services’ page.

Ground prepared for hydroseedingHydroseeding 'mulch' on site

Several community groups were involved in helping to plant the area including some of the local schools. Seed sowing and plug planting workshops were held with these groups who were presented with a ‘Guardians Scheme’ certificate to recognise their contribution to the development of the site.

Seed sowing workshopsPlug planting workshops

The highly colourful bloom in the summer not only transformed the area visually but also provided a habitat and food source for local biodiversity. As part of the community’s involvement the project design also included providing a small ‘Somme Memorial Garden’, incorporating native poppies. An official meadow opening day was a very successful community event that was attended by many residents of the estate and local dignitaries.

Meadow in bloom

Poppy gardenMeadow entrance

As the meadow was sown with a mix of perennial and annual species it will continue to be in bloom for many years. Perennial species often provide a more subtle range of colours as the meadow develops but the area will continue to provide an important habitat for local fauna species enhancing local biodiversity.

Meadow in bloom 2010Fine leaved grasses and native wildflowers

The site has recently been further enhanced by specifically adding a range of native wetland species to several damp areas of the meadow. Additionally, there are continued opportunities to engage with the local schools and community to raise awareness of the importance of wildflowers and biodiversity.


This complete package of site analysis, project design, and community workshops has been used in a variety of NIHE sites across the province including those listed below. These projects have proved to be a very effective way to raise awareness of biodiversity with the local community. To discuss arranging a similar project please contact us on 028 4488 1227.

Some other NIHE wildflower sites:

Longstone Meadow, Ballybeen Divis Street, Belfast Fairmount Park, Dungannon New Mossley, Newtownabbey Belvoir Drive, Belfast

Eastway, Creggan Bingnian Drive, Belfast Jamaica Road, Belfast Oriel Drive, Downpatrick Scrabo Road, Newtownards

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