Who we are

Herefordshire Meadows is a network of meadow managers united by an interest in restoring, creating and conserving flower rich grasslands as well as promoting their value as part of a productive farm business.

Formed in 2015, there are more than 900 farmers and meadow owners in our network.

What we do

Herefordshire Meadows is a registered charity whose charitable objectives are to:

• conserve, restore and create flower-rich grasslands in Herefordshire in particular, but not exclusively, by promoting sustainable land management systems.
• advance the education of the public on the benefits of flower-rich grasslands and the need to conserve them.

We work collaboratively across the whole of the Herefordshire landscape holding events and discussions on how to manage, create and restore meadows to benefit wildlife, soil and water quality, historic features, natural flood management and livestock farming businesses.

We are building up a network of local people with skills in plant identification, management advice and contracting services for grassland management.

Herefordshire Meadows activities are open to all, space permitting, and you can join the mailing list to be notified about our activities by emailing us with your contact details.

Why we’re here

Although wild flower grasslands have declined by 97% since 1940s we exist to strengthen and increase the remaining network of flower-rich grassland to improve the “Natural Capital” of Herefordshire.

This includes a whole range of public benefits that flower-rich grasslands provide to :

• Support pollinators vital for food production
• Maintain and increase wildlife habitat
• Increase nutritional value and productivity of diverse swards
• Improve drought resilience and carbon sequestration and storage
• Help maintain healthy soils and clean air and water
• Retain water for natural flood management and increased resilience in wet weather
• Protect historic features
• Improve mental and physical health, wellbeing and enjoyment of the countryside and heritage

Herefordshire Grassland Creation Policy Note

Herefordshire has a distinctive grassland heritage. Though our grassland is less-rich overall than celebrated and well-publicised examples such as the chalk grasslands of the south east, it is important that this is remembered and recognised particularly when considering species rich grassland creation. 

With this in mind County Botanical Recorder and Herefordshire Meadows Trustee, Stuart Hedley has produced a policy note on grassland creation for wildlife in Herefordshire along with recommended species lists for different soil types and species to avoid. 

POLICY ON GRASSLAND CREATION FOR WILDLIFE IN HEREFORDSHIRE v2