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Skylark Meadows

Meadow Makers Project

A biodiversity-boosting project, working with landowners, to restore and create 100 hectares of species-rich grasslands.

Since the 1930s, 97% of wildflower meadows across England and Wales have disappeared due to pressures from intensive agriculture and development. 

We want to go beyond caring for the 3% that are left.  

The Meadow Makers project will work with landowners to restore and create, as well as monitor and manage, 100 hectares of species-rich meadows over the next 15 years. 

We’ve received a record-breaking £8million from National Highways to restore meadows, from Dartmoor to north Yorkshire, to help people nature and wildlife.  

Why do our meadows need saving? 

Meadows and species-rich grasslands are magnificent, in many ways. They are extraordinary ecosystems, with native wild plants at their heart.

Species richness in grasslands can significantly improve carbon storage in the soil, which is a vital tool for addressing the climate crisis. They also have fungal networks covering thousands of miles, can be home to up to 140 species of wildflowers, provide flood mitigation and provide nutrient-rich grazing for livestock.

Meadow in north Wales

140 

Species of wildflower can be found in a single meadow 

100  

Hectares of meadow will be restored and created 

160 

Insects are supported by the food plant Common Bird’s-foot Trefoil alone 

 

Over the next 15 years, seven sites – six in Devon and one in North Yorkshire – will undergo significant grassland restoration with our team of meadow specialists. 

Every meadow is home to different species and habitats. This project will require unique care to allow the meadows to bloom wilder than ever. 

How we’re restoring 100 hectares of meadow: 

Meadow on Dartmoor

In Dartmoor 

  • Re-introducing an annual hay cut and grazing regime, allowing wildflowers to bloom and set seed 
  • Tackling species which threaten rare and native meadow specialists, through methods such as Bracken control 
  • Sewing local seeds to increase the floral biodiversity 
  • Testing the soil to inform future work, vital for our team of specialists 
  • Caring for Rhos Pasture, a rare species-rich meadow featuring Purple Moor-grass and rushes 
Brush harvester at Beechwood

On the North York Moors

  • Re-introducing an annual hay cut and grazing regime, allowing wildflowers to bloom and set seed 
  • Managing pastures better for biodiversity 
  • Increasing the number of wildflowers through the spreading of green hay and locally sourced seed  
  • Tackling species which threaten rare and native meadow specialists 

The Meadow Makers project will contribute towards our goal of restoring 100,000 hectares of species-rich grassland by 2040. 

A Parrot Waxcap.

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