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Plantlife’s Work in Farming

Plantlife has been at the forefront of sustainable agriculture, working directly with farmers, calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices and producing guidance.

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Our Policy Work

Sustainable Farming Needs Government Support, Report Reveals


Semi-natural grasslands need to be prioritised, valued and resourced.

As governments continue to undervalue grasslands, we are calling on policymakers to support farmers in making sustainable choices.

Cattle at Deep Dale

A Big Win for Grassland, But Farmers Need More


Our experts have been delving into the details and shared their thoughts on DEFRA’s latest funding changes for farmers.

Grass with yellow rattle flowers and pink flowers

The Grassland Gap


The majority of our ancient wildlife-rich grasslands have been destroyed and they are now among the UK’s rarest habitats – with losses continuing today. Over-fertilised and monoculture fields now dominate our landscape, providing few benefits for nature, people or our climate.

Our Reports

  • Farming Income for Semi-Natural Grasslands

    Grasslands account for just over 70% of the UK’s utilised agricultural area, and with appropriate management, semi-natural grasslands can support sustainable food production, as well as provide
    ecosystem services and wider societal benefits (i.e. ‘public goods’), such as mitigating pollution and flooding events, and storing carbon in their soils. Yet farmers still need to be able to make a living in
    managing their land for environmental outcomes and public goods.

    Read the report here.

  • Review of Trends in Grasslands Across the UK

    It is widely accepted that there has been a large decline in the extent of species-rich grasslands across the UK since the
    1930s. However, there have been limited studies exploring the recent overall trends in their extent. This report
    was commissioned to review the existing evidence and data on the trends and extent of species-rich and semi-natural
    grasslands, broken down by UK nation where possible.

    Read the report here.

  • Valuing the Vital: Grassland Ecosystem Services in the UK

    This report offers a review of existing literature and evidence on the numerous advantages associated with species-rich grasslands.

    Read the report here.

Management Guides and Resources

Poppies and corncockle at Ranscombe Farm Reserve

Managing Arable Farm Land


Arable farmland has the power to create a positive impact for biodiversity, as well as food production.
Many wildflowers thrive in areas of soil that are regularly disturbed by farmers growing crops. Careful and regular management is required to ensure these crucial areas of nature can thrive.

A bright orange waxcap mushroom on green grass with a blue sky

Fungi and Farming: A Waxcap Journey on a Welsh Farm


It’s waxcap season in the Upper Ystwyth and Plantlife’s Sheena Duller explains why fungi and farming can go so well together.

Wildflower meadow bursting with yellow dandelions and rolling hills in the background

Managing Meadows


Wildflower meadows are often a defining feature of the summer, but when managed properly they can also be a vital habitat for wildlife and nature recovery.

Take a look through our guidance on managing meadows, the equipment needed, which seeds to choose and much much more.

Read a Case Study

Work on a Welsh Farm with Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants

Through our Plantlife Biodiversity Consultants we worked with a landowner to help realise their vision of a nature rich, multi-functional landscape on this 120ha hill farm in mid-Wales, whilst remaining true to the traditions of Welsh hill farming.

Our recommendations enabled the landowner to achieve their vision for the estate by allowing nature to recover, without compromising the farming which had taken place over generations. We are now working long term with this estate providing ongoing support and advice.

You can read more about our work here.

Read more

No Mow May: Can your Garden be a Carbon Store?  
A close up look out across a lawn from amongst the grasses. The grass has dew drops on each blade. Hedges can be seen in the background and a small peak at a clear blue sky.

No Mow May: Can your Garden be a Carbon Store?  

It’s not just trees that capture and store carbon – our meadows and grasslands can play an important role too.

COP28: Success for Farming, Food and Biodiversity
Inside COP28

COP28: Success for Farming, Food and Biodiversity

As COP28 draws to a close, it's not just about fossil fuels. We will keep showing that wild plants and fungi need to be central to the climate solution.

COP28: Why Food and Farming Matters
Small square hay bailer in field

COP28: Why Food and Farming Matters

One of the most important discussions at COP28 is about – food and agriculture. Find out why they are so important for global governments.

Why are Meadows so Important?

Our meadows have been part of our natural heritage for centuries and cared for by people for generations – but they are now more at risk than ever before.

A beautiful meadow filled with yellow wildflowers stretching into the distance

We’re in the height of summer, with sun and ice cream on the mind, which must mean one thing – National Meadows Day is here! What better time to shine a light on these incredible habitats and take action to protect them. 

Did you know that meadows have been part of our natural heritage for centuries? They have been cared for by people for generations and we cannot let them disappear. 

How would you feel if someone knocked down an historical building like the Houses of Parliament, just to build it somewhere else? Or reduced Edinburgh Castle to rubble and created a lacklustre replica. It wouldn’t be the same, right? 

The same applies to meadows, which are now more at risk than ever.  

Without proper protections, the destruction of meadows is continuing across Britain. That’s why we’re calling for irreplaceable meadows to be added to the Irreplaceable Habitats list.  

Wildflower meadow landscape with a variety of species near Cardiff, Wales

Why do Meadows Matter?

Meadows support a whole array of valuable wildlife. The unique interplay of geology, weather, and grazing animals have favoured particular communities of plants, which form relationships with mycorrhizal fungi in the soil.  

Layers and layers of soil have built over time in meadows, and are home to wiggling earthworms, busy insects, and a whole planet-worth of microbes.  

The complex relationships between wildlife in meadows are finely balanced. For example, the Adonis Blue butterfly only feeds on Horseshoe Vetch. If this plant disappeared in a local area, so too would the butterfly.

This would then impact ants which have a reciprocal relationship with the butterfly, thus reducing food sources for birds – and so on.  

These meadows are magnificent crucibles of life and cannot be recreated within a meaningful timeframe. 

What’s Happened to our Meadows?

National Meadows Day, the first Saturday in July is the perfect time to celebrate the sweet-smelling, colourful cacophony of meadows. From the white froth of Meadowsweet, to purple pom-pom heads of Devil’s-bit Scabious straining to be seen. 

While National Meadows Day is a celebration of the meadows that we have, it’s also a time to highlight all the meadows that have been lost.  

The past century has seen them ploughed, over-fertilised, bulldozed for buildings, and destroyed by misplaced tree planting.  

An estimated 97% of all of our meadows have been lost, many of these meadows are historic, irreplaceable meadows. Meadows that have been in our society and communities for centuries, unique habitats that has well-established ecosystems that we and nature relies on. 

The remaining meadows that have clung on through the decades or centuries are the last bastions of our farming and cultural heritage. These meadows are truly irreplaceable and we want to protect them for the future. 

A meadow full of yellow flowers, a blue sky and lush green trees

Adding Meadows to the Irreplaceable Habitats List

To protect meadows, we’re calling for irreplaceable meadows to be added to the Irreplaceable Habitats List. But, what does this mean? 

The UK Government has classed some habitats, like ancient woodlands and blanket bogs, as irreplaceable habitats. This means that they should have more protection in planning policy, where they can’t be harmed by development unless in exceptional circumstances. 

In England, the UK Government is proposing sweeping changes to planning policy with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill which puts our most beloved habitats and wildlife at risk of inappropriate development.  

That’s why it’s more important than ever for these meadows to be recognised as irreplaceable habitats and get the protections they both deserve and need.  

Governments must take action now. We’re calling for the UK Government to add irreplaceable meadows and grasslands to the list of irreplaceable habitats,  

We also want to see the Scottish Government take this important step. While the Welsh Government has explicitly listed species-rich grasslands as a type of irreplaceable habitat, there’s still work to get Government to understand their value.  

Take action for Meadows for National Meadows Day

Help us make sure that irreplaceable meadows are not just a memory. Take action by: 

Read more

Why are Meadows so Important?
A beautiful meadow filled with yellow wildflowers stretching into the distance

Why are Meadows so Important?

Our meadows have been part of our natural heritage for centuries and cared for by people for generations – but they are now more at risk than ever before.

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds
A close up of a pretty yellow flower against a background of blurred grass.There are five main flower heads in the shot and on the one closest to the camera is a bright green insects shining in the sun.

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds

What do you think of when you hear the word 'weed'? Join us as we uncover the myths #and delve into what it really means.

The Museum Doing No Mow May
Northern March Orchid

The Museum Doing No Mow May

The National Museum of Scotland has transformed its collections centre into a haven for insects and local wildlife by taking part in the No Mow Movement. Learn how.

Ash Dieback Rescue Mission: Saving Lichen from Infected Tree

Lichens on a tree infected with ash dieback have been rescued and given a new home in a bid to save them.

The rescue mission, using tried and tested translocation methods, saved 2 rare lichen species in the Lake District. Read on to find out how our experts did it.

Two people translocating a lichen on a branch

We recently discovered 2 rare lichen species at risk in the Lake District’s unique temperate rainforest. They were growing on an infected Ash tree and needed to be moved to ensure they continued to thrive in this habitat.

The tree has been infected with ask dieback meaning it is at a high risk of dying or collapsing in a storm.

Our experts translocated some of the lichen from the infected Ash tree to a nearby Hazel tree in the Lake District, home to some of the UK’s rare temperate rainforests.

The high rainfall, humid temperatures and ancient woodlands provide a perfect climate for rare lichens to survive.

Which Lichens were Saved?

Alongside a beck in the Lake District, our team identified Black-bordered Shingle Lichen and Stinky Sticta on a mature Ash tree.

Stinky Sticta Sticta fuliginosa is so called because it smells like rotten fish when wet! It is blackish brown when wet and dark grey-brown when dry. The lichen has rounded lobes that turn down at the edges.

Black-bordered Shingle Lichen Parmeliella thriptophylla looks like a dark stain on the bark of trees. It has a coral-like structure and can normally be found growing on either bark or rock surfaces in damp shaded woodlands. The lichen is blackish when wet and brown or grey-brown when dry.

Both these lichens are rainforest indicators and are members of a group of lichens that we have an international responsibility to protect.

Using a penknife to translocate lichens from a tree

How were they Rescued?

To translocate the lichens, our experts carefully removed small fragments of both lichens and the top surface of the tree bark with a pen knife. Young and healthy-looking parts of the lichen were chosen as they were still growing.

They were then taken to an area of trees about 10m along the beck, chosen because of their similar conditions, to give the lichens the best chance of survival. In this case, a Hazel tree with similar high bark pH was chosen.

The lichens were attached to the tree using plastic mesh netting and stapled in place.

Both Black-bordered Shingle Lichen and Stinky Sticta need air flow, light and access to water – which the mesh can allow. The lichens were translocated onto a horizontal branch, with similar conditions to their original location, allowing the lichens to be easily wetted by rainfall.

What is Ash Dieback and why did the Lichens Need Rescuing?

Many lichen species rely on Ash trees for survival .Ash Fraxinus excelsior is especially important for a community of lichens which grow on more alkaline or ‘basic’ tree bark. The survival threat facing Ash trees, caused by ash dieback, means these important habitats are gradually disappearing.

Ash dieback is a fatal fungal disease caused by Hymenoscyphus fraxineus. More than a quarter of the UK’s lichen species can be found on ash trees, but ash dieback is now widespread across much of the UK.

  • Some 536 different species of lichens grow on ash trees in the UK alone
  • Of these, 78 species are endangered or threatened

Both lichens in this rescue mission needed to be saved from the infected Ash tree because we did not know how long it would remain a viable host tree. As Ash trees die off, the bark dies and falls from the tree, taking any lichens on the bark with it.

Translocation is never a first option for lichen conservation work, but to ensure the survival of some species, it is necessary.

Careful consideration is given to the species of lichen and the recipient tree in all cases.

 

Woman with hands on a branch with lichen on it

What Happens Next?

This is a long-term project and we won’t know how successful the translocation has been for some time. The Stinky Sticta should show signs of taking to its new tree earlier than Black-bordered Shingle Lichen.

The site will be monitored regularly, but signs of complete success could take up to 10 years to show.

Read More about Rainforests

Are You in One of Britain’s Rainforests?

Are You in One of Britain's Rainforests?

Britain is home to one of the rarest habitats in the world – the temperate rainforest. But how would you know if you were walking in one?

Discovering Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens

Discovering Wales’ Extraordinary Rainforest Lichens

Dave Lamacraft, Plantlife’s Lichen and Bryophyte Specialist, heads out to discover a wealth of extraordinary lichens which call Wales’ rainforests home.

How does Air Pollution impact Temperate Rainforests?

How does Air Pollution impact Temperate Rainforests?

Air pollution often poses the biggest danger to internationally rare habitats and nitrogen gases have the potential to destroy our temperate rainforests.

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

Did you know that the rainforest can glow in the dark? Or that it’s home to plants which were on the Earth before the dinosaurs?

If you go down to the woods today, you might be in for a big surprise!

Join us on a deep dive into temperate rainforests to find out some facts that might surprise you.

Did you know that the rainforest can glow in the dark? Or that it’s home to plants which were on the Earth before the dinosaurs? 

Read on for our most fun, fascinating and fantastical facts.

1. Temperate Rainforests are an Even Rarer Habitat than their Tropical Cousin

Often when we think about rare rainforest habitats, our minds are drawn to the tropical forests such as the Amazon rainforest in South America, or the Congo rainforest in Africa.

However, temperate rainforests are actually rarer than its tropical cousin.

This incredible habitat once covered up to 20% of the UK, however now it’s been reduced to less than 1% of the land area. In England, this means that only about 18,870 hectares remain. [2]

The remnants of the last rainforests are at risk still and face a number of threats including inappropriate grazing and browsing, pollution and invasive species – meaning protecting our rainforests is more important than ever before.

2. The Temperate Rainforest is Home to Some of the Rarest Species on the Planet

Temperate rainforests right here in the UK, are not only stunningly beautiful habitats – but also globally important ones. They are home to some of the rarest species on the planet, and in fact there are species in our forests that are found nowhere else on Earth.

These species include:

  • In Britain, the Horsehair lichen Bryoria smithii, is only known to be found in 2 rainforest sites in Devon. In fact, its entire population would fit comfortably on two sheets of A4 paper [3]
  • Arthonia thoriana, which is not known from anywhere else in the world other than Horner Wood in Somerset [3]

3. Temperate Rainforests are a Breath of Fresh Air – Literally!

Temperate Rainforests have a vital role in improving air quality – filled with oxygen producing trees and plants. While it’s tricky to show data specifically for temperate rainforests, we know that UK woodlands, which include rainforests, drastically reduce air pollution.

In fact, in 2020, our woodlands removed 32,800 tonnes of PM10 (particles in the air with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less, which can cause health problems when inhaled), from the atmosphere. These include some vehicle emissions, dust and smoke. [4]

4. Temperate Rainforests are a Living Time Machine to a Land where Dinosaurs Walked the Earth!

Like a portal to a time before humans – temperate rainforests contain a link to what the world was like when dinosaurs walked the earth!

These habitats are ancient ecosystems themselves – but some species that call this special place home are some of the oldest that exist today.

Found in our forests are ferns, mosses, liverworts and lichens that pre-date humans, flowers, trees and even dinosaurs! In fact mosses and liverworts are examples of ancient non-flowering plants that have been around for 400 million years.

Honey fungus, Armillaria mellea, photographed on a dead branch in a woodland. The pale creamy brown of the fungus stands out against bright green mosses that cover the branch

5. The Rainforest can Glow in the Dark!

OK, so the rainforest isn’t going to be all aglow like a scene from Avatar – but if you’re lucky, you might just see some of the glowing species that call the rainforest home.

Bioluminescence is a phenomenon where a living organism can produce and emit light. While biofluorescence is where organisms reflect a different colour than the one they absorbed. These processes can be seen in species of lichen, moss, fungi and even insects, that can be found in woodlands, including temperate rainforests in the UK.

Unfortunately, most of the species in the UK don’t produce enough light to see with the human eye.

One species found in UK woodlands is Honey Fungus Armillaria mellea, which is bioluminescent, and has glow in the dark gills! The glow from Honey Fungus is very weak however, and is usually too faint to be seen by the naked eye in a woodland environment. There’s also the rare Synarthonia astroidestera lichen. [5] [6]

6. UK Woodlands, Including Temperate Rainforests Save Us Almost £1bn

Woodlands, including rainforests, keep a huge amount of air pollution out of our atmosphere. This pollution can be inhaled and enter our bodies causing health problems.

It’s estimated that the pollution our woodlands removed in 2020 could have caused health problems that would have cost the UK around £995 million in healthcare. [7]

According to the Office for National Statistics, these avoided health problems not only include respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, but also deaths.

Therefore, UK woodlands, including temperate rainforests, have not only helped save us almost £1bn, but they’ve even saved lives!

7. Temperate Rainforests Are Some of the Best Carbon Stores

Temperate rainforests play a crucial role in carbon sequestration. While it’s well known that trees store carbon, did you know that lichens, moss and even fungi found in our temperate rainforests can all help to lock carbon away. What’s more, these species can lock away extra carbon, on top of the carbon that the trees they live on store. This makes temperate rainforests some of the most efficient carbon stores. [8]

8. We’ve Been Inspired by This Special Habitat for Centuries

It’s not hard to understand how the mystical majesty of these stunning habitats has inspired humans over the years.

The mist settling over dense ferns in the early morning, dappling light streaming through the trees and being surrounded by song from countless birds, has certainly been a source for many creatives.

In fact, temperate rainforests have been a muse for poets, storytellers, artists and authors. One of the most famous examples is Wistman’s Woods on Dartmoor – which was said to have inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s setting for The Hound of the Baskervilles.

9. Temperate Rainforests are Magical Places

Our connection with temperate rainforests goes way back to our ancestors, who believed they were magical places.

There were many stories of fairies, witches, mythical beings and magical happenings.

In Scotland there are tales of the sprite, Ghillie Dhu who is said to be the guardian of the forest. [9]

While in Welsh mythology, there is the wizard Gwydion who features in the 12th century collection of tales, the Mabinogi, many of which are set in what we now call the rainforest. Gwydion’s name itself is actually believed to mean ‘born of trees’.

10. Temperate Rainforests Attract Animal Visitors from Thousands of Miles Away

Temperate rainforests in the UK are not just home to a rich variety of plant and fungi life, they’re also buzzing with insects!

This thriving insect life can attract visitors from thousands of miles away. A number of birds fly all the way from Africa to nest and rear their young in our rainforests. Visiting birds to look out for include Wood Warblers, Redstarts and Pied Flycatchers. [10]

  • References

    1. Read more about how rare temperate rainforests are here.
    2. Read more about how much temperate rainforest there is in the UK here.
    3. Find out more about the rare species found in the temperate rainforest here.
    4. Read more on how rainforests are cleaning our air here.
    5. Find out more about organisms that glow in the dark in the temperate rainforest here.
    6. Find out more about biofluorescence in the rainforest here.
    7. Find out how rainforests are helping save us healthcare costs here.
    8. Learn how temperate rainforests are some of the most efficient carbon stores here.
    9. Find out about the Ghillie Dhu here.
    10. Read more about the birds that visit our temperate rainforests here.

Explore more

Ash Dieback Rescue Mission: Saving Lichen from Infected Tree
Two people translocating a lichen on a branch

Ash Dieback Rescue Mission: Saving Lichen from Infected Tree

Read how 2 lichens were saved, from a tree infected with ash dieback, in a translocation rescue mission in the temperate rainforest.

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

Did you know that the rainforest can glow in the dark? Or that it’s home to plants which were on the Earth before the dinosaurs? 

The Rare Lichen that Travelled from Cornwall to Norfolk
Dave Lamacraft translocating Scrambled Egg Lichen in Norfolk

The Rare Lichen that Travelled from Cornwall to Norfolk

An incredible story of returning one of England’s rarest lichens to its historic home – more than 350 miles away.

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds

What do you think of when you hear the word ‘weed’? Join us as we uncover the myths #and delve into what it really means.

A close up of a pretty yellow flower against a background of blurred grass.There are five main flower heads in the shot and on the one closest to the camera is a bright green insects shining in the sun.

It’s a word we’re all familiar with, and one we hear often, especially during our annual No Mow Movement – ‘What about the weeds’? 

 The Cambridge Dictionary defines a weed as, ‘any wild plant that grows in an unwanted place’.  

If you were asked to picture a weed, perhaps some people would think of a Dandelion pushing up through the pavement, or a lone Forget-me-not lurking in your lawn. Many people think of specific plants as ‘weeds’, but that’s not true. 

So, join us as we weed out the myths of the word ‘weeds’. 

Common Wasp Queen on a Dandelion

What is a Weed? 

Here’s the thing – the actual definition of a weed is simply, “a wild plant growing where it is not wanted, especially among crops or garden plants.” 

Just a plant, in a place we didn’t choose. 

Technically speaking, any plant can be a weed. Even our most treasured native wildflowers such as orchids, simply for existing in a spot we decided they shouldn’t.  

So, what makes people think of a Dandelion as a weed but an orchid as a prized plant? It’s simply perception and context. 

A bright purple Thistle flower head is pictured in front of a large arable field growing crops

Where Did ‘Weeds’ Come From? 

The word ‘weed’ has been part of the English language since at least the 9th century.  

It’s believed to have come from the Old English word ‘weod’, which simply means a plant – including herbs or even trees. 

Over time however it took on more of a negative tone, especially as agriculture became more dominant and plants that competed with crops then took on the name. 

By the 19th and 20th centuries, with the rise of industrial farming and garden landscaping, ‘weeds’ became enemies. Something to spray, pull, or pave over. 

But in nature there are no weeds. Just plants doing what they’ve always done – growing, spreading, surviving. 

What About Non-Native Invasive Plant Species in the UK?

Non-Native Invasive Species aren’t weeds by definition, but they certainly can cause problems. 

Non-native plants are simply plants that have been introduced to the UK, that naturally grow in other parts of the world. 

Not all non-native plants become problems – many of them integrate into our habitats without causing damage (these are called ‘naturalised’ species). However, some thrive in our habitats, so much so that they out compete our native plants, these are known as Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS). These include common garden centre finds such as Rhododendron. 

One in five species of UK vascular plants are at risk of extinction. The second biggest threat to biodiversity is Invasive Non-Native Plants, so they must be taken seriously. 

Read our blog here to find out more. 

Common nettle

What About Problem Plants? 

While the majority of plants have value to wildlife, some can cause problems, mainly to other plants around them. 

Think of a thicket of nettles for instance, there’s not much biodiversity in the swathe as it has a tendency to takeover. While large amounts of such plants can cause problems, small amounts are  That said, it’s important to remember the benefit that plants, including nettles bring to our other wildlife. Nettles can be a great addition to your green space and support more than 40 different insects and butterflies! 

So, while problem plants aren’t necessarily ‘weeds’ we recognise that some plants could benefit from some careful control. Read our blog here, to find out how to manage problem plants such as Thistle and Common Ragwort. 

Rethinking the Weed 

We ran a survey recently and found that 56% of people think of Dandelions as a weed. That’s not a huge surprise – Dandelions have had a bit of a PR problem. But the truth is, they’re not ‘weeds’ but wildflowers. And quite useful ones, at that! In fact they were once revered as a cure all medicinal herb and even appear in ancient Greek mythology. 

Watch our video below to find out why we should rekindle our love of the humble Dandelion.

Dandelions are amazing! Did you know that Dandelions support more than 50 species of insects? Or that Dandelions have been used in medicine for centuries?

The good news? More than 90% of 19-24 year olds in our survey said they see dandelions and daisies as wildflowers, not weeds. This gives hope for the future of our native wild plants. 

Perhaps in the future we will all see ‘weeds’ differently – as part of a bigger picture. ‘Weeds’ are our native plants and part of the planet long before we were. They make up important habitats, improve biodiversity, provide food and even medicine, they even capture carbon! 

Let’s change our perspectives to see ‘weeds’ for what they really are, wildflowers that are symbols of resilience, beauty and wildness. 

Read more

Why are Meadows so Important?
A beautiful meadow filled with yellow wildflowers stretching into the distance

Why are Meadows so Important?

Our meadows have been part of our natural heritage for centuries and cared for by people for generations – but they are now more at risk than ever before.

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

Did you know that the rainforest can glow in the dark? Or that it’s home to plants which were on the Earth before the dinosaurs? 

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds
A close up of a pretty yellow flower against a background of blurred grass.There are five main flower heads in the shot and on the one closest to the camera is a bright green insects shining in the sun.

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds

What do you think of when you hear the word 'weed'? Join us as we uncover the myths #and delve into what it really means.

The iconic orchid, Lady’s-slipper, was believed to have been driven to extinction in the UK by the early part of the 20th century as a result of over-collecting and habitat loss.

However, in 1930 a single plant was discovered growing in a remote part of the Yorkshire Dales. The location was kept secret for decades, during which time volunteers frequently checked on the plant to make sure it wasn’t dug up and stolen.

A reintroduction programme was planned with the ambition of reinstating self-sustaining populations of the orchid in the wild. Now, decades of work have finally paid off.

Last summer, the first new naturally occurring Lady’s-slipper Cypripedium calceolus plant was discovered in the wild for almost 100 years. The team who discovered the plant included Plantlife, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland (BSBI) and Chester Zoo.

How did it Happen?

This incredible moment for plant conservation was decades in the making.

Some 2 years ago, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, in partnership with Plantlife, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, BSBI and the National Trust received a grant from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme to continue and extend the work to recover Lady’s-slipper.

This work involved protecting the habitat of the remaining wild Lady’s-slipper plant, rearing lots of new orchid seedlings and planting out orchids into former haunts.

Then last June, the team were delighted to discover an entirely new plant at one of the reintroduction sites. This means the orchids that were planted out have managed to cross pollinate and set seed,, which then successfully germinated and established in the wild.

How did the Team Rescue Lady’s-slipper?

Lady’s-slipper, like other orchids, has tiny seeds and has long proven difficult to cultivate from seed. It took many years to refine the technique for hand pollination, discover the best time for seed capsule collection, germinate the hand-collected seeds and successfully grow-on mature individuals that were strong enough to be planted out in the wild.

Over the years, Kew has led the development of propagation techniques for the orchid. The young plants were then transferred to the hands of volunteer orchid-specialists, managed by the National Trust, who nurtured the plants for several years before they were ready to be planted out.

Trials have shown that larger plants – which are more rapidly able to get their roots down into rocky ground – grow better in the wild then smaller ones. This means, many of plants which were planted out in 2024 and 2025 were over 10 years old!

Together with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, BSBI, Natural England and Kew, we identified suitable sites for planting out orchids back into the wild.

Why did Lady’s-slipper Almost go Extinct?

The distribution of Lady’s-slipper used to once stretch from Cumbria to Derbyshire. But as a result of over-collecting and habitat loss, the plant was believed extinct in the UK by the early part of the 20th century.

During the Victorian era it fell victim to the orchid hunting craze known as ‘orchidelirium’. Explorers would be sent off by wealthy collectors with the mission of finding new species of the delicate and beautiful orchids. Sadly, this led to Lady’s-slipper’s decline.

Find out more about the Lady’s-slipper including how and where to spot it.

 

What’s Next?

Despite this wonderful step to success, there is still work to be done. The project team will continue their work to help the Lady’s-slipper and it’s hoped that if funding is secured more self-sustaining populations of the plant will be created.

If you would like the chance to see Lady’s-slipper, you can visit Kilnsey Park near Grassington in the Yorkshire Dales in late May and early June. More information here (www.kilnseypark.co.uk).

This year Plantlife has secured more funds from Natural England’s Species Recovery Programme to monitor previous reintroductions and explore the environmental and habitat factors which correlate with various measures of success. So that future reintroductions and reinforcements can be targeted to locations that are most likely to successfully support self-sustaining populations.

Photo credits: Kevin Walker and Dr Elizabeth Cooke

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Orchid on the Brink of Extinction Returns to the Wild

Orchid on the Brink of Extinction Returns to the Wild

A journey to return one of the UK's rarest wildflowers to the wild has made a major step to success.

Plants to Spot at the Seaside this Summer
Photo looks out over the cliffs to the sea and shows in the foreground, pink Sea Thrift and purple Heather clinging to the rocky cliffs.

Plants to Spot at the Seaside this Summer

Sun, sand, sea and wildflowers – why not add finding flowers to your list of beach time activities this summer.

How to ID plants through DNA barcoding
Sarah Shuttleworth at DNA barcoding course

How to ID plants through DNA barcoding

It’s not just animals that have DNA in their cells, plants and fungi do too – and understanding it can help us with hard to identify plants.

Why Did You Want to Start the No Mow Movement?

I have always been a big supporter of No Mow May and the No Mow Movement because I think it’s an incredible campaign for raising awareness of wildflowers and this is vital if we’re going to improve the available habitat for insects.

There had been an interest among staff in participating in the No Mow Movement, but really what spurred it on was the lockdown periods. During this time the contractors didn’t come in to mow the grass and displayed a little version of what could be.

Initially, we just wanted to see what was here naturally. The site had been manicured for many years, so the grass was incredibly short and flowers were not given the opportunity to bloom.

What Difference has it Made?

No Mow May area of longer grass next to mown path

To the Wildflowers and Grasses?

When we first left the site to grow in lockdown, we started to see wonderful flowers like Oxeye Daisy and Cuckooflower – things I know insects love.

Native wildflowers are most important to insects because these are the species that they have evolved alongside and they provide them with the exact food sources they need.

We have also done a little bit of enhancement and added Primroses and Cowslips to the grassland to provide an early supply of nectar and pollen for some of our spring pollinators. And then we’ve also added Yellow Rattle, which has probably had the biggest impact. The Yellow Rattle has spread throughout the 4 years that we’ve been doing this project, and it’s really made quite a difference.

I think my favourite flower is possibly the Common Knapweed because I love its bright pop of colour and seeing a bee really stuck face-first deep into the flower is really satisfying.

Cinnabar moth on some grass

To Insect Biodiversity?

One of my favourite things about us participating in the No Mow Movement has been the insects that we’re recording, including things that were not here before.

Everything from butterflies to moths to beetles and bees – and one of the biggest noticeable differences is the number of butterflies in recent years.

We’ve recorded 16 species of butterflies on our site during this period. They’re not all breeding here but that number is almost half of the butterflies recorded in Scotland, so that’s pretty good going! And because we’ve allowed our areas to grow, we found that we have a wonderful population now of Small Skipper butterflies.

The adult butterflies really need the floral resources to get the pollen and nectar. But their offspring need some breeding habitat, so the diversity of grasses we have are really important.

Common Wasp Queen on a Dandelion

And the People?

I’ve loved being able to work with my colleagues out on the grounds and interact in different ways than we usually would. It definitely has the mental health benefits to many of the staff and volunteers.

Also, the sounds of nature. Sitting near the meadow on your lunch break and hearing the grasshoppers and seeing the butterflies dance along the meadow – it’s a really nice experience.

There’s also a feeling of satisfaction, knowing that we’ve made these changes and they’ve been really positive.

What Does No Mow May Look Like at the Museum?

The management plan that we developed has totally rewritten what was happening here before and we have transformed the site during the course of the last 4 years.

Instead of the grass being cut every 2 weeks, we have just particular areas of the grass that are cut. Most of the grassland is left and we just have edges of the green spaces, the perimeter of the site and then designated pathways cut during the growing season. We also leave areas long all winter to create habitat for wildlife.

It’s been a delicate balance of trying to make sure that we’re enhancing the biodiversity but not disrupting any access.

No Mow May area of longer grass and wildflowers in front of large building

Where are you Doing No Mow May?

The National Museum’s collection centre is in the north of Edinburgh in an urban area. Our site is pretty unassuming – it’s an urban plot that is a series of buildings with green spaces laced between them.

But we have become a little bit of a green haven for the local wildlife.

As an institution, the No Mow Movement really nicely aligns with our aims as we research biodiversity, particularly Scottish insects, which is one of my focuses.

And of course, we’re very concerned about the environmental and biodiversity crisis right now. So doing something more with our own green space that we have was a natural way forward. I really hope that what we’ve done on our site can show other organisations what’s possible.

 

What Wildlife have you Seen?

If I had to list everything that we found, we would be here for a very, very long time. We’ve got countless moths, butterflies, bees and bugs including:

  • Moths – Cinnabar Moths, Burnet Moths and Poplar Hawk-moths
  • Butterflies – Small Skipper Butterly and Wall Brown
  • Bees – Red Mason bees and Cuckoo bees.
  • Wasps – Jewel Wasps and some different parasitic wasps (every year we record more of those)
  • Shield Bugs – Parent bugs and Hairy Shield bugs
  • Other bugs – Ladybirds and ground beetles

With insects being more plentiful, that’s also been great for the birdlife and we’ve had Blue Tits and Great Tits nesting on site and foraging, collecting caterpillars for their young.

We’ve also had a number of mammals, some of which can’t be recorded in the day. So, by setting up camera traps, we’ve been able to see some of the nocturnal wildlife, predominantly that’s our foxes.

Small Copper Butterfly on wildflowers

Why Does the No Mow Movement Matter?

The biodiversity loss that we’re facing and biodiversity declines that we’re seeing are a very real and quite scary issue.

Now more than ever, it’s so important that we use any little scrap of space that we can to make things a little bit wilder and support our biodiversity.

By participating in the No Mow Movement it’s given us this whole opportunity to look at the insect life and our biodiversity right on our doorstep at the Collections Centre in a totally different way.

It’s clear that by giving power to the flowers and encouraging those native grasses can have a huge impact on our insect biodiversity.

More about the No Mow Movement

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds
StoriesA close up of a pretty yellow flower against a background of blurred grass.There are five main flower heads in the shot and on the one closest to the camera is a bright green insects shining in the sun.

What is a Weed? And Why Wildflowers Aren’t Weeds

What do you think of when you hear the word 'weed'? Join us as we uncover the myths #and delve into what it really means.

Let it Bloom June: No Mow May is Over, What’s Next?
How To

Let it Bloom June: No Mow May is Over, What’s Next?

Plantlife's Road Verges Advisor Mark Schofield reveals how to keep your thriving No Mow May flowering lawn blossoming into June.

The Museum Doing No Mow May
UK, Grassland, StoriesNorthern March Orchid

The Museum Doing No Mow May

The National Museum of Scotland has transformed its collections centre into a haven for insects and local wildlife by taking part in the No Mow Movement. Learn how.

Plants in the City: Remarkable Life of Urban Plants

Join leading botanist Trevor Dines, and Specialist Botanical Advisor Sarah Shuttleworth, to delve into the world of urban plants. Find out how these plants defy the odds to live on our streets.

A fern grows out from a wall on a street in an urban environment, you can see the pavement stretching into the distance and houses and parked cars to the side.

Plants have never stopped defying urbanisation. They break through cracks in pavement, embellish city parks and colourfully adorn walls and buildings. Leading botanist Trevor Dines investigates these determined plants ahead of the launch of his upcoming book Urban Plants. Find out how they arrived, how they survive and how some have defied the odds to populate our streets.

*If you are a member you should have already received your personal email invitation directly from our team (contact us if you haven’t!). New members will receive a link in your welcome email.

Speakers

The Rare Lichen that Travelled from Cornwall to Norfolk

An incredible story of returning one of England’s rarest lichens to its historic home – more than 350 miles away.

Let’s learn how expert Dave Lamacraft translocated the lichen across the country.

 

Dave Lamacraft translocating Scrambled Egg Lichen in Norfolk

The Scrambled Egg Lichen, a rare and endangered lichen, has been reintroduced to its historic home in East Anglia.

This yellow lichen with a white fungus on top really does look like an egg. But before you start imagining carrying it in a frying pan, let’s follow the amazing journey of transporting this lichen 350 miles.

Translocating Scrambled Egg Lichen

Taking a Lichen from Cornwall to Norfolk

The Breckland, in the east of England, has suffered more than other places with habitat loss. One of the casualties is the Scrambled Egg Lichen. It became extinct in the Breckland due to habitat loss resulting from changes in farming practices, an increase in tree cover and a loss of rabbits. The Scrambled Egg Lichen is 1 of 3 specialist lichens lost from the region, where they were once common, along with the Starry Breck and Scaly Breck Lichen.

Fortunately, we have found a way to reintroduce it back into the Breckland. Our Lichen and Bryophyte Senior Specialist Dave Lamacraft collected small patches of the lichen from Penhale in Cornwall and transported it using a process called translocation.

Scrambled Egg Lichen

What is the Scrambled Egg Lichen?

The rare Scrambled Egg Lichen Fulgensia fulgens is not just striking, but also a crucial part of the biological soil crust community which stabilises soils and facilitates the growth of other plants. It also hosts a globally rare fungus Lichenochora epifulgens which is even rarer than the Scrambled Egg lichen itself.

The UK is home to globally significant populations of rare lichen species, some of which are found nowhere else on earth. However, lichens face increasing threats from habitat loss, climate change and air pollution. Projects such as this are vital and will help us to reverse these declines.

What is Translocation?

Translocation is a process used in conservation which involves moving an organism to a new location, where it will hopefully survive and thrive. To translocate the Scrambled Egg Lichen, small patches of the lichen were carefully removed and reattached using a combination of water and bookbinding glue.

Some 200 small pieces of the lichen – about the size of a 20p piece – were removed from Cornwall and 160 transplanted into the Breckland chalky landscape. The site in Cornwall is managed by Cornwall Wildlife Trust.

About 160 lichens were translocated to a small area of about 100m at a site managed by Norfolk Wildlife Trust.

Did it work?

Measuring long term success of this translocation will take a few years, but it is hoped that if successful, the lichen will show evidence of growing after one year and spread naturally afterwards.

None of this work would have been possible without the support from Cornwall Wildlife Trust and Norfolk Wildlife Trust, with funding from Natural England as part of the Species Recovery Programme.

More Nature Stories

Why are Meadows so Important?
A beautiful meadow filled with yellow wildflowers stretching into the distance

Why are Meadows so Important?

Our meadows have been part of our natural heritage for centuries and cared for by people for generations – but they are now more at risk than ever before.

Ash Dieback Rescue Mission: Saving Lichen from Infected Tree
Two people translocating a lichen on a branch

Ash Dieback Rescue Mission: Saving Lichen from Infected Tree

Read how 2 lichens were saved, from a tree infected with ash dieback, in a translocation rescue mission in the temperate rainforest.

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

10 Fun, Fascinating and Fantastical Facts About Temperate Rainforests

Did you know that the rainforest can glow in the dark? Or that it’s home to plants which were on the Earth before the dinosaurs? 

Why are Rare Plants Rare?

Why are rare plants rare? We target our conservation activity at the plants with the greatest need, which is generally the rare ones.

Rare, yellow Fen Orchid wildflowers stand against a green background of grasses

What do we mean by rare? Why do some plants get more conservation attention? And how do we work out why a plant is rare?

Join Plantlife’s Tim Pankhurst as he delves into the fascinating world of rare plants and how understanding why certain plants are rare can help us to save them.

*If you are a member you should have already received your personal email invitation directly from our team (contact us if you haven’t!). New members will receive a link in your welcome email.

Speakers