Blooming with Thanks: Seasalt Cornwall Volunteers Help Wildflowers Flourish at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary

This September, the Cornish Seal Sanctuary was lucky enough to welcome not one, but two incredible volunteer groups to our site in Gweek. Teams from Seasalt Cornwall and Dryrobe gave their time, energy, and enthusiasm to support our work, and we couldn’t be more grateful. 

Both groups rolled up their sleeves and got stuck into sowing wildflower seeds across our 42-acre site. On the surface, it may sound like a simple task. But the impact of these efforts will ripple through our landscape for years to come, benefiting not just the Sanctuary, but also the many creatures who share this beautiful corner of Cornwall with us. 

For Seasalt Cornwall, this was one of many volunteering days they’ve spent with us over the years, and their continued support is a true testament to their commitment to the local community and environment. With Dryrobe, September marked their very first time volunteering at the Sanctuary. They showed remarkable commitment to preserving and enhancing the local environment. 

Together, these volunteers have helped us take another big step in our journey towards a richer, more biodiverse Sanctuary. 

Why Wildflowers Matter...

At first, sowing wildflower seeds might appear to be just a way to brighten up grassy areas and pathways. In truth, these flowers are biodiversity powerhouses, supporting a wide range of insects, birds, and other wildlife. 

• Food for Pollinators – Many native wildflowers provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies, moths, and hoverflies. In recent decades, pollinator populations have declined drastically due to habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change. Creating new flower-rich spaces is one of the best ways to support them. 

• Shelter and Breeding Grounds – Long grasses and flowering plants offer cover for insects, small mammals, and even ground-nesting birds. What may look like a messy patch of grass to us is a life-saving refuge to wildlife. 

• Healthier Ecosystems – Pollinators are responsible for fertilising about 75% of global food crops. Without them, ecosystems – and our food systems – would collapse. By boosting habitats at the Sanctuary, we’re contributing to healthier natural networks. 

• Resilience to Climate Change – Diverse plant life makes ecosystems more resilient to changing weather patterns. Wildflower-rich areas are better at absorbing rainwater, storing carbon, and supporting a wide range of species. 

By sowing wildflowers, our volunteers aren’t just creating pretty meadows, they’re helping to rewild a space that will sustain wildlife long into the future. 

The Power of Rewilding 

The term rewilding has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. It refers to the process of restoring land to its natural, uncultivated state, often by reintroducing native plants and letting nature take the lead. 

At the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, rewilding doesn’t mean abandoning our grounds. Instead, it means working with nature to create spaces that are as welcoming to wild creatures as they are to visitors. A rewilded corner of meadow buzzing with bees is just as much a part of our mission as our pools are for rehabilitating rescued seals.  

Rewilding matters because: 

• It restores balance. Nature has an incredible ability to recover when given the chance. Even small interventions (like planting wildflowers) can spark cascades of life. 

• It connects people to nature. Visitors walking through a wildflower meadow experience the sights, scents, and sounds of a thriving ecosystem. That connection fosters care and respect. 

• It protects local species. Many insects, birds, and plants in Cornwall are under threat. Rewilding helps to safeguard their future. 

How You Can Rewild Your Own Garden 

One of the most exciting things about rewilding is that anyone can do it. You don’t need 42 acres of land to make a difference - even a small garden, balcony, or window box can become a haven for wildlife. 

Here are some simple steps to try at home: 

• Sow Native Wildflowers 

Choose seed mixes that are native to your area. In Cornwall, species like oxeye daisy, knapweed, bird’s-foot trefoil, and red campion are ideal for pollinators. Avoid imported or ornamental species that may not support local insects. 

• Let It Grow 

Resist the urge to mow your lawn too often. Even leaving a small patch to grow wild will allow grasses and flowers to bloom, providing food and shelter. 

• Add a Water Source 

A shallow dish of water, a small pond, or even a rainwater barrel can provide drinking spots for birds, bees, and hedgehogs. 

• Go Pesticide-Free 

Chemicals may kill pests, but they also harm pollinators and beneficial insects. Choose natural alternatives or embrace the small imperfections in your plants. 

• Plant for All Seasons 

Choose flowers that bloom at different times of year, so pollinators have a steady supply of food. Early spring blossom and late autumn asters are especially valuable. 

• Create Shelter 

Leave piles of logs, stones, or leaves in a quiet corner of your garden. These create safe spots for insects, amphibians, and small mammals to rest and hibernate. 

Connecting to Our Nurturing For Nature Strategy 

Projects like the wildflower sowing carried out by Seasalt Cornwall and Dryrobe tie directly into our Nurturing For Nature Strategy, which guides our ongoing efforts to restore habitats and enhance biodiversity across the Sanctuary. 

This strategy focuses on creating environments where wildlife can thrive naturally. By sowing native wildflowers, leaving areas to grow wild, and supporting pollinators, we are actively restoring natural habitats that may have been lost or degraded over time. Each meadow, patch of wildflowers, and rewilded corner contributes to a richer, more resilient ecosystem. 

Through this approach, we aim not only to protect the species that already call the Sanctuary home but also to encourage a wider range of wildlife to flourish. It’s part of our long-term vision to create a Sanctuary that is a haven for biodiversity, demonstrating how conservation, community involvement, and thoughtful habitat management can work hand in hand. 

Rewilding is less about doing more and more about doing less – letting go of perfectly manicured spaces and giving nature the freedom to thrive. 

The Cornish Seal Sanctuary is more than a rescue centre for injured and malnourished seals. It’s also a home for countless wild species that share our land, from butterflies and bees to hedgehogs and owls. The wildflowers sown this September will begin to bloom next spring and summer, transforming parts of the Sanctuary into a display of colour and sound. By rewilding parts of our site, we’re ensuring that the Sanctuary is a safe, thriving environment for all. 

From all of us at the Cornish Seal Sanctuary, a heartfelt thank you to Seasalt Cornwall and Dryrobe for giving their time and energy to make a difference. Your efforts will bloom for years to come, supporting pollinators, enriching the landscape, and inspiring our visitors.