Boosting biodiversity in Nidderdale’s grasslands

The loss of species-rich meadow and grassland habitats is unparalleled in the history of nature conservation in the UK.

Image: ©Marian-Wilby

Bringing degraded meadows back from the brink

In 2006, when YDMT first started restoring hay meadows, less than four square miles remained in the whole of the UK. Since then, we’ve been working with farmers and partners across the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland to help bring 850 hectares (that’s more than three square miles!) of degraded meadow back from the brink.

Thanks to a new partnership with Nidderdale National Landscape we now have the chance to expand this vital work. A new three-year project
will conserve and restore species-rich hay meadows and improve the ecological value of grasslands in the Nidderdale National Landscape
area – creating new homes for bees, butterflies, wading birds and other wildlife and helping to safeguard our most scarce native wildflowers.

Image: ©Leanne-Fox

Working together to boost biodiversity and restore grasslands

The project is part of an ongoing partnership between Nidderdale National Landscape and YDMT. As neighbouring protected landscapes
with aligned objectives, we’ve long shared resources, expertise, and a commitment to delivering impactful projects for people and nature.
Grasslands Officer Joseph Haywood joined the project last year. “There is a lot of grassland in the Nidderdale area that isn’t quite managed in the right way for biodiversity.” he said. “We’re offering free advice, training, surveys and support to help landowners on their restoration journey. It would be great to create a network of sites that could potentially provide seed for future restoration.”

Grassland covers large areas of the National Landscape, much of which has the potential to be valuable for nature. A return to traditional, less
intensive, land management is part of the story, but that alone doesn’t necessarily lead to an increase in a grassland’s botanical diversity. The fragmented nature of species-rich grassland means there is limited potential for seeds to disperse naturally.

Image: ©Leanne-Fox

So, restoration also depends on adding seed harvested from carefully selected sites. Joseph’s role involves working closely with farmers and landowners, with their intimate knowledge and experience of the land, to identify sites and support them through the restoration process. “It’s been really interesting learning from the farmers,” said Joseph, “they know the land so well, what works on one side of a valley might not work on the other, you have to do things differently.”

For Joseph, who first got into conservation through a YDMT traineeship five years ago, the job is also a chance to build his skills and knowledge and learn about other areas of conservation. “We are slowly expanding our restoration work to include other grassland types,” he said. “Habitats like acid grassland and rush pasture, which may not be as species rich as meadows, are still special in their own right. They have their own charismatic species. We’re learning how to manage these habitats better and understand the soil chemistry.

As summer approaches Joseph will be soil sampling to match ‘donor’ sites, where seed is harvested, with sites that need restoration. He will also survey grassland sites and help to co-ordinate contractors to deliver the hands-on field restoration work. The job also involves planning a
range of community events and activities to help people learn about grasslands and wildflowers and how to protect them.

The work of the Nidderdale National Landscape Grasslands project though, will continue well beyond this summer. The Project aims to restore or enhance fifty hectares of grassland every year over the next three years. Alongside that a northern grassland forum is being established
bringing together key organisations to exchange best practice, promote joint working and funding opportunities.

So, the project will not only be boosting biodiversity in Nidderdale but will also benefit conservation efforts across the north of England.

Help save our meadows