Introduction and Aims  Daventry District is gearing up for a year of events and activities to commemorate the centenary of the First World War.  A wide range of activities including the Big Poppy Plant will be taking place with the support of parishes and local community groups.  The main aim of the Big Poppy Plant is to commemorate WW1 and enhance local biodiversity. Also to potentially have something lasting!  The Big Poppy Plant is being supported by Daventry District Council, The Wildlife Trust, Daventry & District Housing (DDH) and Amey (formerly Enterprise).

Wildflowers and Wildlife  Meadows and wildflowers have dramatically declined over recent years  97% meadows lost  Northants lost more wildflower species than any other (almost 1 species a year over last century)  Intensive agricultural, towns grow, less gardens  Vital for a range of wildlife  Bees – need pollen and nectar  Butterflies – have specific food plants  Birds and bats reliant on insects they attract  Provide shelter and breeding habitat

Poppies and Cornfield annuals  Previously more common in less intensive agriculture  Provide nectar and pollen sources amongst crops  Reliant on seed bank and disturbance  As less frequent across countryside – urban fringe areas become more important  More competitive and grow on more fertile soils than many wildflowers

Choosing a Location Poppies  Best location for people and wildlife  Decent soil  Sunny dry Wildflowers  Less fertile soil  More regular irrigation * Remember will look great in the summer but scrappy at other times ** more fertile will have a better display, less fertile will have better long-term success

Ground Preparation  Clear grasses/current vegetation  Dig/rotovate to 20cm  Rake to a fine tilth  2-3 weeks later remove any weeds (spray/dig up) *almost treat like a flower bed A wildflower meadow would follow a similar format

What to Sow? “Old Comrades Mix” – provided by Daventry District Council  From Pictorial Meadows Seeds  Mixture of native and non-native species  Designed to grow on most soils and of benefit of wildlife  Carefully developed with a high chance of success.  Annual mix – designed to last one year  The mix includes Bishops Flower, Red Flax and Cosmos Or meadow mix / any mix of your own!  Typical native mix dependant on soil condition  See ‘Wildflowers, Meadows and Cornfields’ hand-out for further information or Emorsgate Website

 Then seed at 3g per m²  Mix with sand – easier and see where sown  Divide plot up – so don’t run out!  Mid-March to mid-April is the best time  Alternatively sow in August-September  Doesn’t need watering unless particularly dry! Sowing

Locally Collected Seed  Recent rare finds (below) in the District of Daventry provide an opportunity to enhance biodiversity from the seed collected and seedlings.

Maintenance  If just left the plot will become infested with weeds  After flowering cut back and remove growth  Ensure seeds have fallen  Leave a few seed heads around edge for birds  Rest for a few weeks  Spray /dig out weed growth  Prepare a new seed bed (poppies rely on disturbance) in the autumn of spring  The following years display will not be as successful, may need to add in extra seed  After a few years will need to begin again or turn into a wildflower meadow which will persist with annual management of an annual hay cut

Future Why not turn your plot into a wildflower meadow??  Fertile/urban – use a pictorial perennial mix  Unfertile/Rural – Emorsgate meadow mix  Prepare soil as before  Choose best mix for location  Need regular cuts and weed control in first two years  Then manage with an annual hay cut  Not an exact science so best way is to give it a go!

Further Information Wildlife Trust runs a Churchyard Conservation Award Scheme Bronze, silver & gold awards available As is annual advice See for more infowww.wildlifebcn.org/churchyards Wildlife Trust can also provide further info on meadow creation Emorsgate Seed has supplies of native wildflower seed for meadows and good info – Pictorial Seed also provide perennial meadow mixes for more fertile soils / urban locations

Next Steps  If not already done so, please complete the ‘community project information ‘form. Important to advise on the size of area (m2) to be planted. DDC need to know this to order the seeds! Deadline date: 21 February. The Council will attempt to provide seeds where possible, within set budget.  Promote the project now via website, local newsletter, schools and so on.  Mobilise your local community to take part – depending on the size of your project contact local community groups, schools and scouts/ brownies groups.  Suggested planting time is during National Gardening Week April.  ‘reply all’ to Big Poppy Plant distribution list to advise how the project is shaping up, particularly share thoughts/ tips on ground preparation, community mobilisation and when planting has taken place.  Take photos – before, during and after!

Questions ?