A new wildflower meadow along the Wick River has been created by community volunteers.
With native wildflower plants and seeds donated by High Life Highland, the 41 volunteers hope to enhance the area for wildlife.
East Caithness Countryside Ranger Roz Summers said: “It takes hard work to create sometime special and the good people of Wick gave up a day of their time to help create something vital to the healthy biodiversity in the north of Scotland.
“In giving something back to the community and to nature we all felt rewarded and there was much fun had and after the children had done some digging, they helped to paint some butterfly decorations.
“We look forward to seeing the colour this summer and the wildflowers teeming with bumblebees, butterflies and other pollinators.”
Wildflowers such as lesser celandine, foxgloves, snowdrops and red campion were planted in the woodland edge and an old flower bed was dug over and prepared ready for Noss Primary school children to sow the wildflower seed in the next few weeks.
Bumblebees, butterflies, wasps and hosts of other pollinating insects provide a crucial ecosystem service but are increasingly showing signs of decline.
Roz added: “Pollinators, such as bees, allow plants to fruit, set seed and breed, including plants and crops which are important to humans. In the wild this provides food and perfect habitat for a range of other creatures.
“The health of our natural ecosystems is fundamentally linked to the health of our bees and other pollinators and of course ourselves.
“Special thanks must go to the Wick riverside volunteers for their help and lovely cupcakes which kept us all going and to local resident Mary Legg for donating some of her wildflower plants.”
High Life Highland’s Countryside Rangers run public events and practical conservation projects throughout the Highlands aiming to encourage wildlife and raise awareness and encourage appreciation of the scenery, wildlife, and heritage.
If you want to get involved, visit www.highlifehighland.com/rangers
