A COUPLE who have transformed the mown grass area in their Maldon street into a wildflower haven for butterflies and bees is hoping others will be inspired to do the same.

Liz Murphy and Ben Jeffery, who live in Tenterfield Road in the town, sought permission from Maldon Town Council to change the plain and rather boring grass to something a little more adventurous - and got the backing of Maldon in Bloom to do so.

Anyone who has walked down the street recently may have noticed more bees and pollinating insects around. This is thanks to the introduction of the new community wildflower patch on the green.

Measuring only 6m by 1m, the small patch was created earlier this year, but is already full of beautiful native wildflowers that are attracting the insects.

Changes in agriculture and industry, as well as the growing population, have resulted in loss of habitat

for many of the UK's insects. Figures from the British conservation charity Plant Life show we have lost as much as 97 per cent of our wildlife habitat since the 1930s and suggest that it's pollinating insects that are among the hardest hit.

It's these statics that led Liz and Ben to come up with the project.

Liz said: "We created a wildflower area in our own back garden a few years ago and couldn't believe how quickly the number of bees and butterflies visiting our garden increased.

"Having a wildflower patch has also increased the number of birds we get in the garden as the insects they feed on are in more plentiful supply. We looked at the green in the street and wondered if it could be doing more for nature."

Once they had permsission to start, Liz then wrote to all her neighbours to ensure no-one had any objections.

She added: "The response we got was amazing, with so many offers of help and donations. I really was quite taken aback."

Due to Covid restrictions, Ben and Liz weren't able to form a working party to create the area, but between the two of them the strip was dug and sown in around four hours.

They are now hoping the success of their patch will inspire others across the town to do the same thing on their street.

Liz said: "We are blessed in Maldon to have so many green spaces, but they could be doing so much more for nature. It doesn't matter how small your patch is, just a few wildflowers will help support our wildlife."

Liz is asking anyone who may be interested in creating a wildflower area on a green space in their road to get in touch via email at: [email protected]

"I can offer help and advice on seeking permission from the local authorities, as well as a template letter for you to share with your neighbours. I have lots of information & instructions for sowing your seed and even have some seed left over from our patch if anyone is interested," Liz added.