Have you ever stared at the side profile of City Hall? For years now I've wanted to stick a sparrow's head on it's teardrop shape, as it it would make a wonderful giant sparrow.
A monumental nod to the cockney sparra's brave and chirpy character and its similarity to the London spirit which makes our capital city such a great place to live and work.
With this in mind, what better place to meet and share details of research that could reverse, maybe even halt, the decline of this cheeky small brown bird. The latest research suggests nationally we've lost fifty sparrows every hour for the past 46 years! Earlier this year we ran the Cockney Sparrow Count. Londoners helped us map sparrows and added to the knowledge we continue to gather on this vanishing species. The findings were shared with some 200 or so people at City Hall along with ideas on how we could collectively improve London's parks and better support wildlife.
First up was the RSPB's Jacqueline Weir, reporting on her project exploring the impact different seed mixes have on wildlife.
Next was Martin Rodman from the City of London on what they're doing in the parks and green spaces they manage.
Dr Richard Smith of Buglife then talked about the importance of mixed habitats for insects and other pollinators.
After a bite to eat the facts kept coming.
Michael Murray of the Heritage Lottery Fund tempted people to apply for funding to create new meadows.
What conference on wildflower meadows would be complete without input from one of the people behind the spectacular displays at the Olympic Park? Dr Phil Askew of the London Legacy Development Corporation reminded us of those golden moments.
The practicalities and complexities of sourcing and sowing native wild flower seeds was explored by Howard Wood of the seed suppliers Rigby Taylor.
Finally Richard Scott of Landlife showcased some of the community benefits.
For anyone considering brightening their lives with wildflowers, whether in a windowbox, a road verge, hospital grounds or public parks, this event offered expert guidance on how to gain maximum benefit for communities, wildlife and bank balances. Please do share this page and let us know if your plans for a meadow are blooming.