Heavy horses bringing wildflowers to Cambridge's open spaces
Cambridge City Council and King’s College team up on biodiversity project
A unique project involving heavy horses is underway to establish new wildflower meadows on Cambridge's historic Parker’s Piece.
The collaboration between Cambridge City Council and King’s College will use traditional methods to create two new native wildflower areas near the University Arms Hotel.
On Wednesday, 14th October, heavy horses will transport 30 bales of green hay from King’s College Chapel to Parker’s Piece.
This green hay, which maintained its vibrancy despite this summer's heat and drought, will be combined with local wildflower seeds previously successful at King's College.
Already colonised by orchids and wildflowers, the King's College meadow highlights the project's potential at Parker’s Piece.
Part of the city's Biodiversity Strategy, these meadows aim to enhance biodiversity in open spaces, forming part of the Cambridge Nature Network.
Cllr Martin Smart expressed enthusiasm for the sight of horses in the city centre as they aid in the meadow establishment.
“This project,” he said, “is crucial to reversing biodiversity decline and embedding nature at the heart of our communities, ensuring long-term environmental, social, and health benefits.”