VOLUNTEERS and children are teaming up to boost biodiversity by planting a wildflower meadow.

The new meadow will take root next to Bicester's Bure Park Primary School after Cherwell District Council won funding for £3,379 worth of seeds.

It is hoped the new wildflower meadow will help restore habitats in the town for bees whose population has dramatically declined across the country in recent years.

District Council commercial director Karen Curtin said: "Bure Park is Bicester’s only nature reserve and we are delighted to have been awarded this grant, which will help us further to improve its status as a beacon of wellbeing and biodiversity.

"Bees contribute millions of pounds to the economy every year by pollinating the fruits and vegetables that end up on our plates. Their decline is a concern and we hope that by supporting their habitats we can help boost their local population."

The project also hopes to better the nature reserve by bring more visitors into the area and hosting educational activities.

Pupils from Bure Park Primary School will be teaming up with community green group Bicester Green to plant the meadow on May 16.

There will then be a community led nature walk to be held on National Meadows Day on July 1 and it is hoped that event and educational activities such as this will encourage people to plant wildflowers in their own gardens to boost Bicester Diversity and move it closer to its garden town status.

Ms Curtin added: "The meadow will be planted with nectar-rich plants which will also attract other species such as ladybirds, moths and butterflies.

"Overall, by providing a more diverse and attractive wildlife habitat, the meadow will further improve Bure Park Nature Reserve’s contribution to residents’ quality of life."

The application for funding was put forward as a partnership between the council, Bioregional, Bicester Town Council and Bicester Green Gym.

It was awarded by Grundon Waste Management through the Landfill Communities Fund.