Covington Way Bee Road

At Covington Way we worked with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) and volunteers from Streatham Common Co-operative (SSCoop) to create 100 metres of new wildflower verge running along the side of Streatham Common.

Volunteers also planted a selection of nectar and pollen-rich spring and summer bulbs into nearby verges, to provide additional food for pollinators.

Grass was removed and seeds were sown onto a layer of low-fertility sterile soil. The seed mix included a selection of low-growing native perennial wildflowers and grasses, with cornfield annuals included to provide colour in the first year, while slower-developing perennial species established. From 2024 on, perennial species will take the lead. 

Flowers to look out for include yarrow, ox-eye daisy, selfheal, meadow buttercup, ribwort plantain and kidney vetch. As with other Bee Roads, these verges will be cut every autumn and the clippings removed to keep the soil fertility as low as possible. 

We are grateful to the support of volunteers from SSCoop in creating this new flowery walkway, and for their work to enhance the biodiversity in the community gardens and across the Common. SCCoop organise regular volunteer gardening and conservation activities; if you would like to get involved, visit Streatham Common Co-operative.

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