Wildlife

Wild Animal Welfare and Garden Wildflower Science 2026

Wildflower science is clarifying which plant species and mixes deliver the greatest welfare benefits for pollinators and other garden wildlife.

Key Facts

Native wildflowers support 3-4 times more insect species than ornamental alternatives
Single-flowered varieties provide better pollinator access than double-flowered cultivars
Yellow rattle as a nurse plant suppresses grass and allows wildflower establishment in lawns
Autumn-sown annuals including phacelia and cornflowers provide early season pollinator support
Perennial native wildflowers including knapweed and meadow cranesbill provide long-term pollinator support

Welfare Considerations

Evidence-based wildflower gardening delivers maximum welfare benefit for pollinators and other wildlife. Choosing native species and appropriate mixes makes garden wildlife gardening most effective.

What You Can Do

Plant native wildflowers rather than ornamental alternatives for wildlife benefit
Use yellow rattle to convert lawn areas to wildflower meadow
Choose single-flowered varieties to maximise pollinator access to nectar and pollen