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Magnificent Meadows Pilot Project: Progress Report

29th January 2025

We are thrilled to share the wonderful progress of the Magnificent Meadows project, and we extend our gratitude to everyone who has supported this new initiative.

Our mission is to breathe new life into Hampshire’s precious meadows and species-rich grasslands, ensuring they flourish now and for generations to come. These meadows and chalk grasslands have been a vital part of Hampshire’s landscape for thousands of years. They nurture vibrant wildflowers, provide ideal habitats for diverse wildlife, and offer essential resources for pollinators, significantly boosting biodiversity. By acting as crucial stepping stones, these habitats create interconnected networks that span large areas. They also play a pivotal role in intercepting rainwater, reducing flooding, and mitigating the effects of heat waves by lowering temperatures.

However, sadly we have lost over 97% of our species rich grasslands in England and Wales and despite their beauty and ecosystem services, the value of meadows as habitats for wildlife and people is at risk.

Through our Magnificent Meadows project, we have collaborated with local partners across various sites between St Catherine’s Hill and Magdalen Hill Down to nurture and restore fragmented chalk grassland habitats.

Our latest report highlights our progress, including the sites we’ve worked on, the traditional process of making hay by hand, creating food for livestock, and our efforts to connect people with nature.

Read the Magnificent Meadows Report

We would like to thank the South Downs National Park Authority, 50% of the funding for this project has come from their Sustainable Communities Fund. This pilot project has also kindly been supported by Highcliffe Community Forum for Action, Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Butterfly Conservation, Highcliffe Allotments, The Friends of St Giles Hill, Emmaus, All Saints Primary School, The University of Winchester Sports Stadium, and All Saints Pre-school. We would also like to thank our valued partners, funders, people who have donated to our crowd funder campaign and those who have generously given their time to help make the Magnificent Meadows Project a success and to Rachel Remnant, Land Lore Consulting for leading this project and supplying the photos for the report.