Czech Central Uplands conservationists plant rare bellflower seedlings

Conservationists have planted 84 seedlings of the critically endangered lily-of-the-valley bellflower (Campanula persicifolia) in the Czech Central Uplands. The planting took place at the Babinské louky meadow, which represents the only meadow habitat for this species in the Czech Republic; other existing populations grow primarily in forests.

The seedlings were cultivated in controlled greenhouse conditions at the Teplice Botanical Garden using seeds collected from the same local area to preserve specific genetic traits. To protect the plants from deer and other wildlife, they have been placed within protective fencing and marked with metal tags.

This initiative is part of a broader rescue program for the species and the European Prospective LIFE project. Management of the meadow includes sensitive mowing schedules to allow for seed dispersal and efforts to control invasive species like common reed canary grass by using semi-parasitic plants to weaken competitors.