The Norfolk countryside could soon witness the loss of wildflowers due to the threat posed from modern farming.
Some of the wildflowers include buttercups, Norfolk reed, ragged robin and prickly poppy, along with other types of wild growing plants that could disappear as a result of the of the change in crop rotation, sowing dates and chemicals used in arable farming.
The charity Plantlife reported current conservation policies are failing species already under risk, while Natural England, which used to be English Nature, added there were many factors behind the vast decline.
Dr Ian Johnson, senior ecologist from the organisation commented: "Arable plants, many of which were serious weeds until a few decades ago, have become the most rapidly declining group of plants in Britain ."
"The reasons for the decline include the development and use of highly effective herbicides, improved seed cleaning techniques, increased use of nitrogen fertilisers, changes in crop rotations and improved field drainage . Many of the traditional weed species have become very rare or in some cases extinct."
Linda Laxton, owner of 21-year-old Norwich-based British Wild Flower Plants, said she was very concerned about the ongoing demise of wild plants in the area.
"Wild flowers are at the bottom of the food chain. Each time we lose a species we lose all the other species associated with it," she said.
According to Natural England the government guidelines that are in place to protect the plants are not working . Farmers are not being directed to the best ways to manage the land to ensure wild plant life is saved.
Dr Johnson added that both Defra and Natural England will be looking at ways of improving the management options available to farmers in the Norfolk region.
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Wildflowers At Risk In Norfolk
Tue, 17 Jul 2007
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