Species-Rich Meadows
-
Wildflowers
-
Grassland
The grassland of the Lower Severn Vale Levels has been used as pasture for centuries but changes in farming including the use of chemicals, increased silage production and a decrease in grazing have all contributed to the loss of flower-rich meadows. Grasslands, which were once vibrant with colour and buzzing with life, are now often made up of just a handful of species of grasses.
Meadows are a haven for wildflowers, which provide food and shelter for bees, butterflies and insects, which in turn feed small mammals, bats and birds. They are one of our most species-rich habitats in the UK.
What we did
Demonstration events taught participants about all stages of meadow creation, from harvesting seed to cultivation and management, enabling and inspiring people to take on their own projects.
Legacy
A Forgotten Landscape restored botanically rich grassland at four sites: Woodwell Meadows, two meadows on farmland and one species-rich road.
Did You Know?
Wildflower meadows are one of our most diverse yet most threatened habitats:
- Of the meadows that existed in the 1930s, only 2% remain
- More than 10% of the plants associated with unimproved grassland are now on the ‘Red List’ of endangered species