Wildflower blooms bursting with colour in Larne

A wonderful wildflower display at the Redlands Roundabout – close to the busy Port of Larne – is welcoming residents and visitors to the area thanks to a partnership between Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

The roundabout, which was previously a blank canvas of grass, was sown in April 2024 with a mix of native wildflowers. The pilot programme by Council and DfI is designed to champion biodiversity and create a stunning biodiverse feature for everyone to enjoy.

Both Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) are committed to enhancing local environments in the Borough and will work together to utilise more sustainable land management methods whilst supporting wildlife by increasing the number of wildflower areas across MEA.

The wildflowers at Redlands Roundabout have flourished and come into bloom just in time for the arrival of judges for both the Ulster in Bloom and Best Kept Awards. With a diverse mix of native flowering plants and grasses, the area is a haven for wildlife as it provides food and shelter for a wide variety of butterflies, bees and birds.

Speaking about the launch of the partnership, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Beth Adger MBE said: “I am delighted to see Council’s commitment to improving the Borough for wildlife. The wildflowers create a supply of nectar and other food resources, plus shelter, for wildlife including bees, butterflies, birds and small mammals.

“Wildflower on our roundabouts and verges bring additional benefits for biodiversity in this area, including the transfer of carbon dioxide from the air into the soil and reduced carbon emissions from mowing. I look forward to seeing this partnership grow with sustainable land management practices.”

Minister for Infrastructure, Mr John O’Dowd, added: “It’s great to see the launch of yet another DfI/Council partnership to increase the amount of wildflower planting along DfI’s road network.

“Wildflowers on roundabouts and verges encourage biodiversity, leading to greater amounts of carbon being stored in the soil, as well as supporting pollinators.

“Partnerships like this demonstrates DfI’s commitment to biodiversity and the All-Island Pollinator Plan.”

Under Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Climate and Sustainability Action Plan 2023-27, Council has committed to protecting the natural environment within the Borough to enhance biodiversity, increase carbon capture and improve the health and wellbeing of citizens.

For more information on how MEABC is maintaining its green spaces and adapting to climate change, please visit

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ClimateChange