The Weald Meadows Initiative (WMI) aims to give landowners practical support with the management of the last remaining fragments of wildflower grassland in the Weald. The Weald Meadows Officer offers landowners the following:
- Grassland surveys to help identify grassland type and wildlife value
- Advice on wildflower grassland management
- Site Management Plans
- Assistance with entry into Natural England (Defra) Environmental Stewardship Schemes
- Assistance with site grazing; identifying graziers, animals transport, sourcing grants for infrastructure such as fencing
- Advice on wildflower grassland enhancement and creation including site preparation, establishment and after care techniques
- Advice on sourcing plant plugs and wildflower and grass seed for enhancement and creation projects
- Assistance with marketing herb-rich hay
- Details of other contacts, including contractors, who may be able to help.
The project also co-ordinates the collection, processing and marketing of wildflower and grass seed from species-rich meadows. This activity ensures that their is a supply of Weald Native Origin Seed (WNOS) for use in enhancing species-poor grassland and creating new meadows. It also provides an income to site owners that can contribute towards the costs of traditional management.
Share this article
