Wildflower & BNG Seeding
SEEDING SPECIALISTS
Specialist wildflower and BNG seeding for housing developers, councils, infrastructure schemes and ecological restoration: designed for biodiversity compliance, pollinator habitat and long-term establishment
For over 30 years we've established wildflower meadows, species-rich grasslands and BNG-compliant habitats across the UK. Our comprehensive approach combines hydroseeding for large-scale coverage, conventional broadcast and drill seeding for accessible sites, and brush seed harvesting for local-provenance establishment. We work from ecologists' specifications or help develop site-specific seed mixes that deliver measurable biodiversity gains while meeting planning conditions and adoption standards.
What Wildflower & BNG Compliance Delivers On Site
Wildflower and BNG seeding creates species-rich habitats that support pollinators, meet mandatory biodiversity net gain requirements, and provide long-term ecological value. Native seed mixes establish permanent grassland communities tailored to local soil and climate conditions. Proper establishment reduces weed competition, prevents erosion, and creates self-sustaining habitats that score well on Defra metrics while fulfilling 30-year management obligations.
BNG Compliance
Habitats established to Defra metric standards, supporting mandatory 10% net gain requirements with evidence-based seeding plans, species lists and establishment monitoring for planning approval and sign-off.
Pollinator Habitat
Native wildflower communities providing nectar and pollen sources throughout the growing season. Species-rich grasslands support declining butterfly, bee and beneficial insect populations while creating visible biodiversity.
Long-Term Value
Correctly established meadows require minimal maintenance compared to amenity grass, with annual hay cuts replacing weekly mowing. Lower fertility management reduces long-term costs while sustaining biodiversity.
Where Wildflower & BNG Seeding Fits On Your Project
Wildflower and BNG seeding applies wherever developments must deliver biodiversity net gain, create compensatory habitat, or establish permanent ecological value. The method suits sites from small urban verges to large-scale land restoration, on flat amenity areas or challenging slopes. We tailor seed mixes, application methods and aftercare regimes to match site conditions, planning requirements and adoption specifications.
Whether you're managing road verges requiring low-maintenance biodiversity, housing developments needing BNG compliance for planning approval, or restoration sites where native habitat creation fulfils ecological obligations, our approach combines technical seeding capability with understanding of habitat establishment requirements.
Housing & commercial developments
BNG-compliant meadow creation on amenity land, attenuation basins and buffer zones to achieve planning conditions and deliver community green space
SUDS & wetland margins
Species-rich grassland around attenuation ponds and swales, providing habitat value while stabilising banks and filtering runoff
Parks & public realm
Urban wildflower meadows for councils and estates, balancing pollinator habitat with visual amenity and community access
Road & rail verges
Native wildflower establishment on embankments and verges, creating biodiverse corridors while reducing maintenance.
Why Choose CDTS For Your Projects
Wildflower projects fail when contractors lack experience with site preparation, use inappropriate seed mixes for local conditions, or cannot advise on the management regime needed for establishment. Generic grass contractors overseed at wrong rates, ignore fertility requirements, or fail to control aggressive weeds in year one. Planning conditions remain unmet, BNG metrics aren't achieved, and meadows revert to rank grass within two seasons.
CDTS removes these risks through 30+ years establishing wildflower habitats. We prepare seedbeds to specification, source appropriate native mixes, apply at correct rates using hydroseeding or conventional methods, and provide establishment guidance that ensures success rates meeting both ecological and contractual requirements.
Full method flexibility
Hydroseeding distributes seed evenly on slopes and large areas. Conventional broadcast or drill seeding suits accessible flat sites. Direct application of brush-harvested seed maintains local genetics. We match method to site conditions and programme requirements.
30+ years ecological experience
CDTS North & West holds CHAS accreditation and carries £5 million public liability and £10 million employers liability insurance. Full RAMS provided for every project.
Full equipment range for any terrain
From large agricultural tractors for open restoration sites to compact pedestrian units for restricted-access areas, our equipment handles sites where standard contractors can't operate.
How Our Wildflower & BNG Seeding Process Works
01
Site assessment & specification
We review drawings, soil conditions, planning requirements and BNG metric targets, then specify appropriate seed mixes, application methods and establishment protocols aligned with your ecologist's requirements or planning conditions.
02
Ground preparation
We check substrate fertility and weed burden. Wildflowers establish best on low-fertility soils, so we may recommend reducing topsoil depth, using subsoil seedbeds, or targeted herbicide application to control aggressive species before seeding.
03
Seed sourcing & application
We source native UK wildflower mixes suited to local conditions, or harvest seed from donor sites using our brush harvester for local-provenance establishment. Application uses hydroseeding for slopes and large areas, or conventional broadcast/drill for accessible sites.
04
Establishment monitoring
First-season management is critical. We provide guidance on controlling invasive weeds, timing initial cuts to reduce fertility, and monitoring for establishment success. Properly managed meadows develop into diverse, self-sustaining habitats meeting BNG obligations.