Wildflower pilot project to launch in Angus

MONTROSE i s l eading the way in a biodiversity pilot project that aims to bring wildflowers back to Angus open spaces.

In a move which is hoped will also help rebuild populations of bees, butterflies and other insects, three parts of the town have been chosen for the first phase of the Space for Nature programme, which will see reduced grass cutting and a continued reduction in chemical use in Angus parks.

With more people cycling and walking, council chiefs have said they hope the project will contribute towards tipping the scales away from the habitat loss that has seen more than 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows disappear since the Second World War. Their disappearance has also led to a marked decline in pollinators, part of a global trend.

A 2k stretch of cycle track along Broomfield Road, Whinfield Road and Faulds Road, the Old Kirk Yard and Rossie Island roundabout are included in the initial phase.

Angus communities convener and Montrose independent councillor Mark Salmond said: “The Space for Nature pilot project will run for three years, but we hope it proves to be well-received by the Montrose community and is something we can extend to other towns.

“As well as changing grass-cutting regimes to give nature a chance, we hope to lend it a helping hand courtesy of local expert wildflower seed producers Scotia Seeds who are kindly donating seeds and plants.”

The firm is also funding information panels that will carry in-situ details about the pilot project.

“We are asking local people of all ages to send in illustrations of Scottish wildflowers and a number of them will be selected for use on the information panels,” said Mr Salmond.

Monifieth and Sidlaws SNP councillor Beth Whiteside said: “Our overall aim is to get our communities and nature closer together.

“By changing our ecological approach and specifically our grass cutting and grass collection regime, we can increase opportunities for nature.”

I RON Ma iden – heav y metal heroes with a huge catalogue of music who tour the globe in a jet piloted by their lead singer.

That’s the image many people have of the band today, but it was a very different story 45 years ago.

Formed in East London in 1975 by bassist and songwriter Steve Harris, the band was in its infancy.

It didn’t take long for them to win an army of fans and just five years later, in 1980, they staged their first solo headlining tour.

The British leg kicked off on April 1 1980, with the band headlining at Dundee’s Caird Hall on June 12.

Original Maiden singer Paul Di’Anno, who fronted the metal legends on their self-titled debut album and its follow up Killers, took to the stage to be greeted with a sea of cheering fans clad in denim