Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has been working hard with landowners and farmers to restore vital wildflower meadows over the summer.
To date, the Clapham-based charity has helped to revitalise a total of 15.28 hectares of wildflower meadow this year.
Since 2006, more than 730 hectares of degraded meadows across the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland have been restored, helping to bring this precious habitat back from the brink.
Wildflower meadows help increase biodiversity as well as provide an important forage source for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies, beetles, moths and other insects.
“It has been a very enjoyable year working alongside farmers, landowners, Cumbria Wildlife Trust and Natural England, and we are really pleased with progress,” Christa Nelson, Hay Time Officer at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, said. “We have restored the equivalent of 16 football pitches of wildflower meadow with particular focus on four schemes.
“We have used a variety of methods including harvesting green hay, over seeding and adding seed by hand. This work has been completed by the landowners as well as various groups and volunteers. It’s been a real team effort!”
YDMT has been working on a number of schemes, including one at Hill Top Farm in Malham, Shawcote Farm in Askrigg and Appersett.
Christa added: “In the last 70 years we’ve seen a staggering 97% of wildflower meadows lost, making them one of the UK’s most threatened habitats and putting hundreds of species of native wildflowers and plants, bees, birds and other wildlife at risk.
“Projects like these make a difference for pollinators as well as being a vital winter fodder source for landowners.”
You can support our wildflower meadow restoration by giving a Living Bouquet – a unique alternative to fresh cut flowers – or by donating £10 a month. To find out more: ydmt.org/wildflower-gifts
IMAGE:
YDMT has helped revitalise 15.28 hectares of wildflower meadow this year. Pictured is Wood Cranesbill.
For more information on YDMT, please call Mike Appleton at YDMT on 015242 51002 or email media@ydmt.org
About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust:
Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) is a small charity doing big things to support the people, landscape and wildlife of the Dales.
To date the charity has helped to deliver inspiring projects worth around £30 million in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas. These projects cover areas as diverse as countryside apprenticeships, supporting local communities, education and outreach, restoring woodlands and wildlife habitats, and improving access and understanding of this special place.
The Trust has recruited more than 50,000 supporters to date. Find out more at www.ydmt.org
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Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust
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Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is a small charity doing big things in the Yorkshire Dales. Donate today and make a big difference to the Dales www.ydmt.org
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