Volunteers reviving traditional haymaking in Winchester this summer

We are inviting volunteers to learn traditional haymaking by hand skills in Winchester this summer, as part of our ongoing Magnificent Meadows project.

The first haymaking sessions will take place between 16-21 June at meadow sites directly adjacent to Winchester Leisure Centre, bringing the local community together to help manage species-rich grassland using traditional, low-impact methods.

The work forms part of our Magnificent Meadows project, now in its third year, which focuses on restoring and managing species-rich grasslands. Since the 1930s, more than 97% of species-rich meadows have been lost across England and Wales.

Traditional skills, modern conservation

Unlike mechanised mowing, volunteers will use traditional scythes to cut hay by hand in the mornings, with afternoon sessions including turning hay, weed-picking and maintaining scythe blades through peening.

The chosen sites have been identified as particularly suitable for an early hay cut as cutting and removing the vegetation while green will help reduce fertility in the soil, which makes spaces for more wildflowers to compete with faster-growing grasses.

It is also an important time for weed control on restoration areas, to make space for the species-rich meadow plants to grow.

Community involvement

Through the Magnificent Meadows project, we aim to reconnect communities with these vital species-rich grasslands on their doorstep.

Alison Talbot, Operations Manager for CPRE Hampshire, said:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for people to connect with the land in a very hands-on way while supporting biodiversity right in the heart of Winchester. Traditional haymaking is hugely rewarding, as well as a great way to get active outdoors, and it plays a vital role in restoring species-rich meadows.”

A magnificent meadows project volunteer from the previous year commented:

“I thoroughly enjoyed my volunteering days, appreciating the importance and management of meadows, meeting new volunteers and talking to passers-by to gain their understanding and interest of the tasks we were undertaking.”

Volunteers do not need previous experience. We are working together with local ecologist and meadow expert Rachel Remnant from Land Lore Consulting to deliver training in scything and meadow work.

Summer haymaking schedule

Haymaking activities are planned for the following dates and locations across summer:

• Tues 16 – Sun 21 June 2026: Near Winchester Leisure Centre and Winchester Stadium
• Mon 13 – Sat 18 July 2026: The Cowslip Field, beside St Catherine’s Park and Ride

Activities will also take place in Andover later in the summer. Through new partnerships with Andover Trees and Natural Basingstoke, we will have the opportunity to expand the project to more urban-edge communities in Hampshire.

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more and apply via the volunteering page of our website.

Invaluable support

The Magnificent Meadows project is made possible thanks to National Lottery Community Fund support, helping communities across the UK connect with and protect the local environment.

Additional funding from the South Downs National Park Youth Action Fund will help CPRE Hampshire engage more young people in traditional meadow management activities, and we are keen to hear from local youth groups interested in taking part.