14 February 2007
A host of golden daffodils?
The hosts have dwindled a bit since Wordsworth was feeling lyrical…so here on Dartmoor we like to keep an eye on them. Action for Wildlife: the Dartmoor Biodiversity Project is once again asking members of the public to record sightings of wild daffodils in Dartmoor National Park this spring.
 | Cultivated garden varieties of daffodil are already flowering in profusion along road verges and in parks and gardens. But our native wild daffodils are not faring so well. Once a common spring wildflower in the south west, they can still be found, usually in woods and meadows close to rivers. Unfortunately habitat loss means that they are not as frequent now as they once were. |
The Teign Valley is famed for its spectacular show of wild daffodils, but records collected over the last few years have helped to build up a wider picture of wild daffodil distribution on Dartmoor. It is possible that there are still unknown wild daffodil sites tucked away in river valleys, particularly around the fringes of the National Park.
Because daffodils die back after flowering, they are not visible for most of the year, making them prone to inadvertent damage. You can help to protect wild daffodils by taking part in the Dartmoor Wild Daffodil Hunt. By identifying areas where they still occur, you may be helping to protect wild daffodils from accidental destruction.
Action for Wildlife Project Officer, Frances Cooper said:
'Keeping an eye open for wild daffodils whilst you’re out on Dartmoor this spring could help us discover the true extent of these beautiful flowers. Taking part in the Dartmoor Wild Daffodil Hunt is as simple as filling in a form to tell us where you saw them. Having a good idea of their distribution will help protect wild daffodils for the future – your help will make a big difference.'
No special knowledge is required to take part. Action for Wildlife’s leaflet explains all you need to know, including how to differentiate between wild daffodils and garden varieties. The Dartmoor Wild Daffodil Hunt leaflet and survey form is available from Action for Wildlife by telephoning (01626) 831072 or by visiting the Publications page(external link, opens new window) of our website at www.actionforwildlife.org.uk
Ends
For Further Information
Frances Cooper,, Project Officer, Action for Wildlife – The Dartmoor Biodiversity Project.
Tel: (01626) 831027 email fcooper@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Angie Squires, Assistant Project Officer, Action for Wildlife – The Dartmoor Biodiversity Project
Tel: (01626) 831072 email asquires@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Notes for Editors
Action for Wildlife (external link, opens new window) was launched in September 2001. It followed on from the highly successful pilot Dart Biodiversity Project. The project is managed by Dartmoor National Park Authority on behalf of a steering group of funding partners including; Dartmoor National Park Authority, English Nature, the Environment Agency and the Duchy of Cornwall. The project is supported by the Rural Development Service.
The overall aim of Action for Wildlife is to ‘maintain and enhance the wildlife resource of Dartmoor’ by helping people who live and work on Dartmoor to carry out practical action on the ground. The project focuses on key habitats and species identified in the Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan.
Action for Wildlife – The Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP)
Action for Wildlife: The Dartmoor Biodiversity Action Plan has been produced by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, with financial assistance from English Nature, on behalf of the Dartmoor Biodiversity Steering Group. It outlines the objectives, targets and actions considered necessary to protect and enhance the wildlife heritage of Dartmoor. It is a companion document to The Nature of Dartmoor: A Biodiversity Profile (published by the Dartmoor National Park Authority and English Nature), which describes the wildlife resource of Dartmoor, identifies key species and habitats and sets key conservation objectives.
Return to Dartmoor National Park Authority Partnership Project News Releases
This page last updated 14 February 2007
Page updated 13 February 2007
