Wildflower meadow management
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Wildflower Grasslands
An introduction
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Understanding grassland types
Find out the difference between an 'improved', 'sem-improved' and 'unimproved' grassland
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Identifying meadow plants
A guide to important flower and grass species
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Managing a hay meadow
Explanation of traditional pratices with practical tips
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Creating a wildflower grassland
How to choose a good site and practical tips to ensure success
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Diversifying an existing grassland
This video will explain how your existing grassland can be managed to extend the range of wildflower and grassland species.
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The Whole Crop Grassland Creation Method
An introduction to a wildflower grassland creation that can work for large sites
Wildflower grasslands are one of the rarest and most threatened habitats in the High Weald.
Drawing on the experiences of the Weald Meadows Initiative, a project which has been operating in the area for 15 years, this section offers lots of advice on how to protect, enhance and create wildflower grasslands.
Before undertaking any work it is important to get an understanding of your site: the existing grassland type; plant species; soil pH; and past management - this knowledge is invaluable when making management decisions.
There are many different grassland types, depending on the local geology, soil and what the land has been used for in the past. However most fall into 1 of 3 key types; unimproved; semi-improved and improved. Spring and early summer are the best time to survey your grassland - plants are in flower and identification is much easier! Our video highlights some plants to look out for. If you would help identifying your grassland please contact us.
Wildflower grassland advisory visits
The High Weald AONB Partnership provides practical support to landowners and communities seeking to manage and extend the last remaining fragments of wildflower grassland in the Weald. It's land management... Read more
Wildflower meadow guidance
These information sheets have been developed to help landowners manage, create and enhance wildflower grasslands. If you would like more specialist advice please contact our land management project officers. Read more
Unimproved grassland
Unimproved grasslands can support up to 50 kinds of grasses and wildflowers including scarce species. Read more
Semi-improved grassland
Semi-improved grasslands still retain a good number of grasses and valuable wildflowers Read more
Managing rough grassland
There are real benefits in keeping and managing rough grassland. Rough and scruffy areas can look unappealing but are a valuable habitat in their own right... Read more
Wildflower meadows Dos & Don'ts
Do1.try to maintain or introduce traditional management where possible - traditional management will have led to the variety of species in your meadow. 2.consider undertaking a grassland survey to find out... Read more