Field scabious nectar cafe

Almost 97% of our wildflower meadows have been lost since the second world war and although we cannot turn the clock back we believe that there is a way forward.

We now recognise that protected areas, Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and nature reserves, are not enough on their own. Wildlife cannot survive, in the long term, in small isolated pockets of land. They need to link to other areas of semi-natural habitat to allow wildlife to spread and move through the countryside.

Our goal is to protect, restore and reconnect valuable wildflower meadows and limestone grasslands across Avon.

Our current project, funded for 5 years (August 2008 - July 2013) is the start of a longer programme of work, which has 50 year targets.

We aim to maintain and expand species-rich grasslands, by:

• identifying the best areas of species-rich grassland
• identifying land that can be restored to wildflower-rich grassland
• providing advice to landowners on wildflower grassland management 
• assisting with grant applications for agri-environment schemes
• providing practical help to restore wildflower grasslands
• helping to fund restoration work where possible.

This project is one of a series of Living Landscape projects occurring across south-west England which aim to restore and link together areas of valuable habitat throughout the countryside.

If you would like more information or advice about any of the topics on this page, please contact livinglandscape@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk, or telephone us on 0117 917 7270.