Meadows possibly represent the most threatened habitat in the National Park. 75 years ago the sweet smell of a wildflower meadow on the air, the exuberant song of the skylark and a cloud of butterflies on a hot summers day would have been a common experience. It’s hard to comprehend these everyday wonders have been lost. Less meadows means less habitat for vital flowers, bees, pollinators and other wildlife to thrive and survive. Meadows can also help with the fight against climate change.

77 hectares of meadow (191 football fields) will be conserved or created. These meadow sites will support vital habitats for pollinators to flourish in the years ahead. Iconic species such as the vulnerable Marsh fritillary butterfly which has declined by 64% in the last 10 years and the Skylark whose numbers have dropped by 54% between 1970 and 2001, as well as rare 'flora & fauna'. We also want to raise awareness of the importance of meadows for biodiversity and carbon benefits.