A PARK is set to be improved by a colourful new wildflower meadow.

Work has started on the meadow in Milnshaw Park in Accrington by volunteers at the Hyndburn Butterfly Project.

The group’s aim is to plant butterfly-friendly flowers, shrubs and trees in the Hyndburn area and raise awareness of butterfly conservation and recording.

Ground preparation work for the meadow is now under way and a layer of turf is being taken off to help reduce fertility levels and remove competitive grasses.

Chris Atherton from the Hyndburn Butterfly Project said: “UK surveys show that urban butterflies declined by 69 per cent between 1995 and 2014 and suffered their fourth worst year on record in 2016.

"Not only will the wildflower meadow benefit butterflies, it will also be a colourful addition to the park that can be enjoyed by visitors.

"Local people, including schoolchildren, can get involved with the project and learn more about flowers and butterflies through field trips, events, guided tours and volunteering.

"The meadow will also benefit other animals including bees, moths, birds and bats.”

Once the ground is prepared, a seed-sowing event will be held to sow a native wildflower seed mix containing plants that will attract urban butterflies.

Cornfield annual flowers will bloom this summer, before a perennial wildflower meadow becomes established next year. In late summer each year the meadow will be cut and the cuttings removed.

The butterfly wildflower meadow has been funded by the Prospects Foundation and EnergieKontor ‘Windfall Fund’, with seeds donated by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, and agreement to work on the land from Hyndburn Borough Council.

Future plans include native tree, shrub and wildflower planting with help from the Lancashire Wildlife Trust’s Myplace project.