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What is the project about?

Grasslands in Wales face increasing threats – from development, pollution and unsustainable land management practices. We are responding to these challenges through the Glaswelltiroedd Gwydn (Resilient Grasslands) project – in partnership with North Wales Wildlife Trust.

This project will run for 3 years until March 2026, and will work with farmers and landowners to protect, enhance and restore semi-natural grassland habitats across Wales.

 

Volunteers counting orchids at Cae Blaen Dyffryn nature reserve

Semi-natural grasslands are one of Wales’ most important habitats – but are often overlooked. 

These meadows and pastures have a critical role in: 

  • Nature recovery
  • Landscape resilience
  • Providing seasonal grazing
  • Improving water quality
  • Carbon sequestration
  • Reducing flooding

Once dominating the landscape, these habitats declined by 90% in the last century and now cover just 9% of Wales.

 

What are we doing?

Grassland restoration is essential to stem the decline of our wildflowers and wildlife. We need to act now to protect these important places and their flora and fauna, support sustainable agriculture and mitigate against climate change.

Cows grazing in a field
  • Working with farmers and landowners, both large and small – we will provide advice and support to help them enhance and protect grassland habitats using sustainable farming methods.
  • Supporting farmers to improve the resilience of their farms and businesses, reduce flooding and increase carbon sequestration by protecting grasslands.
  • Collaborating with agricultural colleges to train the next generation of farmers in nature-friendly farming methods.
  • Inspiring local communities to engage with wildlife.

Our focus is land on or near Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Important Plant Areas (IPAs) and Important Fungus Areas (IFAs) – but we will also work on grasslands right across Wales.

Important grassland types

Working with agricultural colleges

We have developed a training programme for young farmers, alongside our partners Llysfasi agricultural college and Pasture for Life, to highlight the benefits of lower input land management and the return of species-rich grassland.

Climate change, biodiversity loss, food security and a decrease in profit margins are all causes for concern within the farming sector. We need a farming system that is sustainable and profitable while delivering high quality produce, protecting nature and rural communities. By engaging with young farmers and land managers, we hope to support positive change in livestock farming in Wales that benefits both farmers and biodiversity.

As part of the programme, we have taken some students to Pentwyn – a working hill farm owned by Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, which aims to make space for nature while still producing high welfare products under a low input model.

Resilient Grasslands team teaching students at the Llysfasi agricultural college

We taught students how to identify key plant species which can give an indication of the quality and type of grassland – and how best to manage it.

Wildflowers, now viewed as weeds by some farmers, were once recognised for their nutritional benefits to livestock. Plants such as Bird’s-foot Trefoil Lotus corniculatus and Yarrow Achillea millefolium would have acted as natural anti-inflammatories, antiseptics, and wormers.  With their deep rooting systems these wildflowers also provide stability, aeration, and nutrients back into the soil they grow from.

Looking into soil health, we also took samples and measured the depth of topsoil to highlight the issues caused by compaction from overgrazing and the use of heavy machinery. We hope training sessions like this will help young farmers feel better prepared for a future in farming that is good for people, planet and plants.

How can you get involved?

Are you a farmer or land manager?

We want to partner with farmers and landowners who are eager to explore what diverse grasslands could do for them, their farms and for nature.

We can provide advice, technical support and information – which may help decisions around the SFS and your farm business.

Volunteering

There’s a role for everyone with the Glaswelltiroedd Gwydn project! We’re looking for volunteers who can:

  • Help with grassland surveys
  • Take part in land management activities and scrub control
  • Help us write blogs, take photographs, and get the word out
  • Take part in training in areas such as monitoring, plant identification and land management techniques
  • Join the team! In our third year we will be offering 2 paid internships!
  • Take part in Plantlife’s No Mow May movement and create your very own meadow in your back garden.
  • In autumn, take part in the Waxcap Watch using our app – Take part today.

 

Glaswelltiroedd Gwydn team sat on the grass

We would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering for Glaswelltiroedd Gwydn. Please contact volunteering@plantlife.org.uk for more details. 

Follow us for further updates on the project! 

 

If you would like to contribute to the funding of this project, please get in touch with Beth, our Senior Partnerships Officer at Beth.webb@plantlife.org.uk 

The Nature Networks Fund (round two) is being delivered by the Heritage Fund, on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.

        NRW logo

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