Measuring our Hay Time project's impact in the field
One of YDMT’s flagship conservation projects, Hay Time, has been restoring and reconnecting species-rich meadows across the landscape for many years.
Now in its 21st year, Hay Time has restored some 800 Hectares (four square miles) of species-rich grasslands in the Yorkshire Dales and Forest of Bowland.
The process is labour-intensive and relies on the commitment of farmers who delay cutting their fields until important indicator species - like yellow rattle, eyebright and meadow vetchling – have flowered and set seed. When the fields are cut, the seed is harvested from ‘donor’ meadows and spread on recipient meadows to improve their wildflower count.
And as our latest meadow survey results testify, the impact of our Hay Time project are there for all to see.
Help save our meadows
Give a Living Bouquet wildflower gift for £25 and help restore wildflower meadows in the Yorkshire Dales, home to bumblebees, birds and butterflies.
Find out how to bring bees, pollinators and other wildlife into your garden, with our gardening guides and follow our videos to create your own wildflower meadow.
Inspire children to explore the magical world of bees. Our bee box is packed with everything you need to discover bees from magnifying glass to wildflower seeds.
