Herefordshire Meadows members are demonstrating the benefits of restoration projects by doing  rapid plant and bee surveys.  Everyone can join in by starting now while walking the farm this spring.  If you want any help or advice please CONTACT us.  Virtual training sessions are being planned.

Netting bumblebees in a meadow can be learned in an hour or so

Do you know your meadow (L) from your bulbous (C) or creeping (R) buttercups ?

Using a beekeepers queen cage to hold bee still while you identify it

We are confident that herb rich grassland will be supported by DEFRA in the future. Thinking about how to build up the Natural Capital of your farm will help you get ahead of the game in the new ELMs payment system.  Diverse grasslands can sequester carbon as much as young woodland, slow the flow and help with Natural Flood Management, help make grassland more resilient to flooding and drought as well as benefits for healthy soils, swards and livestock. Not forgetting wildlife, human health and wellbeing.

The restoration page of our website has top tips on what to think about while planning a project and how to select the grassland / arable field or margin / floodplain with best chance of success as well as the right restoration method.  Controlling patches of weeds is also critical before introducing broad leaved herbs into the sward.

To find out more about Herefordshire Meadows go to  www.herefordshiremeadows.org.uk or contact Caroline Hanks on 07779 080940 caroline.hanks@farming4wildlife.co.uk