Lowland Neutral Meadows

To continue the reinstatement of some of Wiltshire’s lost lowland neutral meadows biodiversity by restoring the grasslands to species rich hay meadows and pastures and to retain and attract flora and fauna reliant on open species rich grasslands. This project will be of national importance as it will be one of the largest neutral grassland maintenance and restoration projects in the UK and will continue to contribute to supporting over 47% of target species highlighted in the UK BAP targets for neutral grasslands. The project will take place over multiple sites within Wiltshire which include a SSSI, County Wildlife sites, a SAC and sites within AONB classification. The conservation status will be species rich neutral grassland secured through extensive cattle and sheep grazing supported by traditional hay cutting in July and August. The restoration techniques used will be wide and varied using methods such as wild flower seed sowing, plug plants, green hay and arable reversion techniques.