Weald Meadows Nectar Networks

A quick bit on Weald Meadows Nectar Networks:

The Weald Meadows Initiative has helped create 180ha of new lowland meadow
Facilitated the restoration of 527ha of existing lowland meadow
Placed 450ha of the most valuable meadow in long term protective management

The Weald Meadows Nectar Networks project was set up by the High Weald AONB and more recently looked after by the High Weald Landscape Trust.

What we do:

Proactive and reactive contact with owners interested in meadow management, restoration and creation
Co-ordinate the harvest and supply of locally wild harvested "Weald Native Origin Seed"
Practical meadows advice for management, restoration, creation and grant schemes (with an additional daily rate guide for site surveys, grant applications and specialist reports)
Specialist events for targeted audiences

Project aims:

To raise the awareness of the plight of lowland meadows, whilst demonstrating to the public and landowners what can be achieved to reverse this decline - in the hope that others will follow this amazing example!

We aim to:

Restore 60ha of existing lowland meadow and create 188ha of new lowland meadow across the Weald by March 2015 - benefiting meta-populations of bumblebee, moth and butterfly
Raise awareness of the plight of lowland meadows and the species they support, and give long term sustainability for WMNN
Enable the public to access specific exemplar grassland sites, enjoy and learn about their heritage and participate in a range of experiences and opportunities.

Success so far:

Since April 2012, Weald Meadows Nectar Networks has supported around 200 landowners with their meadows through advice and site visits.

TGT WMNN, colleagues and Trustee Keith Datchler OBE have attended or been involved with over 19 events this spring and summer. Open events have included; Heathfield Agricultural Show, The Railway Land Festival 2012 , A Bumble Bee identification workshop and a Flora Locale / Kew / WMNN course Seed collecting & use for restoration and re-introduction course at Kew –Wakehurst.

"With an exciting new focus on our lovely invertebrates, an essential part of the meadow pyramid, our project is looking to maintain and restore new networks of grassland across the Weald"