Despite the gloomy weather and national lockdown here at Herefordshire Meadows we are heading into 2021 with plenty of hope and optimism. There are lots of exciting things to come with the launch of the Meadow Makers project and the arrival of two new team members. Keep reading for more information on all this and more.
Upcoming events:
Tuesday 9th February at 7:30pm – ‘Biological Pathways to Carbon-Rich Soils Webinar’ with Dr Christine Jones
“In her presentation, Christine will explain how the influence of plant root exudates on soil structure and function can be enhanced by the adoption of management practices such as the establishment of species-rich plant communities, the adoption of appropriate grazing management and the use of biostimulants.”
Listen/ Watch/ Read again:
‘Regenerative farming helps cuts risk for sheep and beef farm’ with Richard Thomas.
Herefordshire sheep and beef farmer, Richard Thomas, speaks to Farmers Weekly about how he is moving towards a lower-risk, lower-cost system, through regenerative farming practices, to ensure his farm can be profitable after BPS.
‘What to Eat to Save the Planet?’ with Ed Dickson.
As scientific evidence grows showing an urgent need for us to reduce the environmental impact of the food we eat, Sheila Dillon speaks to, among others Herefordshire farmer or ‘Wild By Nature’ Ed Dickson about practical ways we can change our diets. Listen to the full programme here
‘Meadows and Floodplains A Natural Partnership’ with Mark Wood, Kate Speke-Adams and Ben Taylor-Davies.
A very interesting talk hosted by the Pasture-Fed Livestock Association (PFLA) and Plantlife discussing the benefits of floodplain meadows, their management and restoration. Featuring Herefordshire farmers, Mark Wood, Ben Taylor-Davies and Kate Speke- Adams from the Wye and Usk Foundation. Watch the full webinar here
‘Natural Capital’ with Dieter Helm CBE.
The Wye Catchment Partnership hosts a talk by Dieter Helm CBE who discusses how the concept of Natural Capital can be effectively applied to river catchment areas. Watch the full webinar here
Call for Support:
‘Bridging the gap between research and application: Species rich grasslands’ Plantlife are planning to host a series of roundtable discussions with the aim to explore evidence gaps in our understanding of how grasslands deliver public goods and provide nature-based solutions to climate change. To enable these discussions, they are asking anyone interested in advocating or researching the value of ‘species rich grassland’ to complete the questionnaire by 28th February. It should take no longer than 10 minutes.
WANTED – Wildflower Meadows for Green Hay and Seed Harvesting in 2021!!
If you think you have a potential donor site which must have a good proportion of herb species, please do get in touch. We are particularly keen to harvest from fields with plenty of yellow rattle in them as this semi-parasitic plant is useful for starting the restoration process. Payments available for hay and seed. Contact Sue Holland fsgarratt@btinternet.com
Meadow Makers Project:
Plantlife’s ‘Meadow Makers’ project officially launched last month. As one of the seven project partners, Herefordshire Meadows has committed creating over 50ha of new wildflower meadows across Herefordshire in 2021.
The project funding has also allowed the team here at Herefordshire Meadows to expand as we welcome two new meadow advisors; Catherine Janson and Rory Johnson. Read more about this project on the Plantlife blog and our official press release.
And here, as a welcome change, is a nice heart-warming news item recently published in The Guardian which mentions the Meadow Makers project among others.
New Opportunity: The Pasture-fed Livestock Association are looking for applicants for the post of Regional Facilitator for Herefordshire. Facilitators will be responsible for establishing a network of education-oriented events (including talks, farm-walks, workshops, and discussion groups) that are tailored to the needs and interests of members in the area.
This is a free-lance position paid at £15/hour and it is anticipated to require approximately 3-4 days per month, to a total of £5000 per year. If you have a passion for pasture-based and agroecological farming, prior experience in the food and farming world, and would like to see a full job description, please contact charlotte@pfla.org.uk
Hopefully by the time all our county’s wonderful new meadows start flowering we will be able to get out and about to enjoy them. Look out for lots more webinars and discussions coming soon.
Best wishes,
Caroline, Sue, Catherine and Rory