The Blooming Meadows Project

Creation of new green areas, Ecological restoration of ecosystems, Protection of natural ecosystems, Monitoring and maintenance of habitats and/or biodiversity

The project “will reverse the decline of species-rich grassland in West Yorkshire, creating a better and more joined-up habitat for wildlife and for the enjoyment of future generations”. “The YWT will purchase specialist grassland management equipment for the West Yorkshire Lowland Grassland Group, to manage a number of sites across the 5 districts.” The project will “work across 10 initial sites to create 35 hectares and restore 37 hectares of species-rich grassland. The sites include YWT’s flagship sustainable farming and the other 9 are sites managed by Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield councils. The project will ultimately have a wider impact, since it will provide specialist grassland management equipment for use across West Yorkshire, as part of a ‘machinery ring’. YWT staff will provide training for the council staff and others in the best use of the equipment.” Further, the project will help to “bring back the flowers, bees and other wildlife to the meadows". (Ref. 2)

The project “will reverse the decline of species rich grassland in West Yorkshire, creating a better and more joined up habitat for wildlife and for the enjoyment of future generations”. “The YWT will purchase specialist grassland management equipment for the West Yorkshire Lowland Grassland Group, to manage a number of sites across the 5 districts.” The project will “work across 10 initial sites to create 35 hectares and restore 37 hectares of species rich grassland. The sites include YWT’s flagship sustainable farming and the other 9 are sites managed by Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield councils. The project will ultimately have a wider impact, since it will provide specialist grassland management equipment for use across West Yorkshire, as part of a ‘machinery ring’. YWT staff will provide training for the council staff and others in the best use of the equipment.” Further, the project will help to “bring back the flowers, bees and other wildlife to the meadows". (Ref. 2) “A machinery ring has been set up at Stirley Community Farm that comprises of specialist equipment, which will be available on loan to local landowners, as well as available to staff at the farm. This equipment was used to clear scrub and to create and maintain wildflower meadows.” “As part of the project Yorkshire Wildlife Trust restored and created 25 hectares of wildflower meadows on our Stirley Community Farm near Huddersfield. This now supports much wildlife, including birds, mammals and insects.” “Green hay was collected from wildflower donor sites and spread on recipient sites. In existing meadows a late hay cutting allowed plants to set seed and wildflowers to establish, whilst grazing now maintains the meadows once they are established.” (Ref. 1)

• Local government/Municipality
• Citizens or community groups