Type=image;ImageID=1746;ImageClass=left;ImageTitle=Urban meadow flowerbeds;TitleClass=strong;
The city council's Public Realm Service has introduced meadow flower seed mixes, including cornflowers, poppies and scarlet sage, to various areas such as the traffic islands at Long Knowle Lane, Blackhalve Lane and Amos Lane and the Bilston Street Island by the Metro bridge.
Nikki Hills, Senior Landscape Architect, said: "These colourful flower mixes are proving very popular and are something a little different from the more formal summer bedding displays which we've traditionally planted at these locations.
"We've chosen plants which will provide colour and interest from spring through to autumn.
"These meadow areas also have the advantage of enhancing the habitat for insects such as bees and butterflies.
"As well as seeding some areas, we're purposefully allowing the native wildflowers and grasses to thrive in other locations, such as along the Black Country Route and The Droveway."
Councillor John Reynolds, Wolverhampton City Council's Cabinet Member for City Services, added: "We've had some very positive feedback from local residents about these new displays, with comments ranging from 'very pleasant' to 'stunning'.
"It's good that we are not only able to bring a bit of the countryside to the city but are also offering new habitat for wildlife."
Nationally, a campaign has been launched to restore threatened wildflower meadows.
Some 60 "Coronation meadows" have been identified across the UK as part of a Coronation anniversary campaign. The project will take seed and green hay from these designated meadows to recreate new ones.
The number of wildflower meadows has decreased by 97% in the UK since the 1930s.
- released: Wednesday 24 July, 2013