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Meadows

Rachel Remnant

Discover how meadows can nurture biodiversity and combat the climate crisis

Meadows and species rich grasslands play a vital role in fostering a thriving countryside and supporting diverse ecosystems. Effective meadow management is key to preserving biodiversity and combating the climate crisis. By recognising the significance of meadows in ecological balance and sustainability, we can work towards a more resilient and harmonious environment for future generations. Read more about CPRE’s efforts to create new meadows and save those that remain at risk.

Bar End Meadows Project

A series of small forgotten chalk grassland meadows are located on the outskirts of the South Downs National Park. Nestled between St Catherine’s Hill and Magdalen Hill Down, both designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), we’re working to rejuvenate the land and bring nature back to life.

With care and support, the Bar End Meadows can thrive again.
Working together, we can;

  • Improve biodiversity and support wildflowers to flourish
  • Create a tranquil space for residents to enjoy the mental health benefits of a thriving countryside
  • Build a unique space for children to discover and explore nature
  • Cultivate hay to support local livestock grazing nearby
  • Connect areas in multiple ownership with help from local people

What we’re doing

In alignment with the local Nature Recovery plans for Hampshire, we aim to tackle the climate and nature emergency by restoring chalk grassland in and around Highcliffe and Bar End.

The local community, and project partners, will play an essential role in bringing our vision to life. We want to create a vibrant space that everyone in the community can enjoy. A space where people can connect with nature and learn about;

  • Chalk grassland surveys
  • Making hay by hand
  • Making tree hay
  • Wellbeing in nature
  • Habitat diversity

Many of the garden lawns in Highcliffe and Bar End contain special communities of wildflowers and grasses that are found on the chalk downs. These lawns are really special because they contain plants that have been lost from our local fields with modern herbicides and chemicals. We would like to help people look after their special lawns so that they continue to be part of our local history and a resource for future generations of people and wildlife. 

Take part in our Chalk Hill Jewels Garden Lawns Survey

History of Chalk Meadows

Meadows have been an essential part of the Hampshire landscape for thousands of years; creating a thriving home for wildflowers like cowslips and orchids. As well as providing the perfect habitat for wildlife including birds, dragonflies, butterflies, and bees.

Over the years, 97% of our species-rich grasslands have been lost and many meadows have been destroyed.

We’re working hard to restore these rare habitats; using ecological restoration and sustainable management practices to bring back our much-loved meadows.

play video

Making Hay by Hand

Using scythes and pitchforks, our Magnificent Meadow Volunteers have spent the summer learning about the traditional techniques of haymaking at Cowslip Meadow. Under the guidance of Rachel Remnant, they discovered how to mow, turn, row, and bail the hay for local livestock living nearby.

Watch our Meadow Volunteers

Celebrate our meadows!

National Meadows Day is an annual event celebrated on the first Saturday of July each year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to appreciate our magnificent meadows. Here are some ways you can participate in this special day:

  1. Visit Meadows: Venture out to your nearby meadows during their midsummer peak. Witness the vibrant blooms and seed heads dancing under the sun. These wildflower meadows are essential for wildlife, carbon sequestration, and our well-being.
  2. Plantlife Reserves: Explore one of Plantlife’s 23 nature reserves across the UK. These reserves support various grassland habitats and rare species. Discover the magic of these biodiverse spaces.
  3. Create Your Own Meadow: Meadows aren’t limited to the countryside! Follow Plantlife’s expert guide to transform your garden lawn into a mini meadow for next year.
  4. Local Discoveries: Whether it’s a wild corner in your local park, a churchyard, or even your own lawn, explore the meadows right at your doorstep. Use Plantlife’s identification guide to help you spot the wonders around you.

Remember to follow the countryside code when visiting green spaces to protect the delicate and rare species that call our meadows home.

Thank you!

Quite simply our work wouldn’t be possible without generous support from donations. So we’d like to extend our thanks to our project funders at South Downs National Park Authority for their £5,000 donation towards our Meadow project from the Sustainable Communities Fund.