Wildlife

Wild UK Lowland Meadow Restoration

Restoration of species-rich lowland meadows to support invertebrate, bird, and mammal welfare in agricultural landscapes.

Key Facts

Over 97% of UK lowland meadow has been lost since the 1930s
Species-rich meadows support hundreds of invertebrate species and multiple farmland birds
Meadow restoration through reduced inputs and traditional hay cutting can recover species richness
Seed harvesting from donor meadows and green hay spreading speeds recovery
Meadow creation payments are available through agri-environment schemes in England

Welfare Considerations

Lowland meadow loss has devastated the food webs that support farmland bird and invertebrate welfare. Restoration creates the conditions where multiple species can find food, shelter, and breeding habitat, delivering welfare benefits across a diverse community of animals.

What You Can Do

Support meadow restoration organizations and agri-environment funding for meadow creation
Create or restore a wildflower meadow area in your garden or local green space
Advocate for agri-environment payment rates that make meadow management economically viable