An evening with Rachel Remnant at P&G Wells

Local ecologist Rachel Remnant recently delivered an informative talk about the Magnificent Meadows project at P & G Wells bookshop in Winchester. The event focused on the history, decline, and restoration of meadows in Hampshire.

P & G Wells, one of the UK’s oldest bookshops, provided a fitting venue for the discussion. Its historical setting complemented the topic, which explored the ecological and cultural significance of meadows in the Winchester area.

Rachel explained that over 97% of the UK’s wildflower meadows have been lost since the 1930s, largely due to changes in land use and agricultural practices. In Hampshire, this decline has had a significant impact on biodiversity, particularly affecting pollinators and native plant species.

The Magnificent Meadows project aims to reverse this trend by restoring and managing meadow habitats using traditional techniques. These include seasonal cutting, grazing, and seed collection from existing species-rich sites. The project also involves community engagement and education to raise awareness and encourage local participation.

One aspect of the project highlighted during the talk was the Chalk Hill Jewel Garden surveys. These surveys help monitor plant diversity and educate local residents about the rare species-rich gardens on their doorstep.

Rachel emphasised that restoring meadows is not only about conserving wildlife but also about reconnecting people with the landscape and preserving a part of Hampshire’s natural heritage.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to learn more about how they can get involved in local conservation efforts and upcoming volunteering efforts as part of the Magnificent Meadows project. To find out more visit Meadows – CPRE Hampshire

Thanks to the generosity of attendees, the event raised over £360 to support the second phase of the Magnificent Meadows project. This brings us one step closer to our goal of raising £10,000 to match fund a generous donation from the South Downs Community Trust.

Special thanks also go to P & G Wells for hosting the event and supporting CPRE Hampshire, as well as The Grange for kindly donating the drinks.

On the evening, Rachel also shared a thoughtfully curated list of her recommended reads – titles that continue to inspire her work. This included:

Food For Free, Richard Mabey

Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer

Writings by John Clare

Along the Enchanted Way, William Blacker

English Pastoral, James Rebanks

Restoring the Wild, Donald MacIntyre

Meadows, George Peterken

For those interested in learning more, all of the books she mentioned are readily available for purchase at P&G Wells.