Windrush Floodplain Meadows project KICK OFF

Following last November's positive response to a floodplain meadow project, and having had two events on excellent examples this Summer at Fir Farm and Long Mead, it is now time to sketch out a plan to restore this rare, regionally important, farmland habitat, and rekindle its inherent value.

Farms will have differing objectives and aspirations for land in the floodplain.  We will start off outlining what those are, and finding a common vision.  Broadly speaking, hopefully, the vision will be to utilise these areas for both farming and ecology, whilst optimising the financial margin.

For those keen to join the project, we will review the existing data and surveys (e.g. vegetation, birds, hydrology and our carbon baselining), before planning more surveys next year (spring).

Meanwhile, we'll pool knowledge, equipment, entrepreneurship and muscle to begin restoring a magnificent corridor of floodplain meadows along the Windrush, from source to Thames.

This landscape scale approach is beginning to open new revenue streams, be it from farm produce, public grants or private natural capital revenue.  This is the critical fourth element to the project - identifying the long term revenue opportunities that make these habitats sustainable in a changing world.

Do come and enjoy refreshments whilst exploring this exciting new project.