A hay meadow project has been given a £65,000 boost as part of a nature-friendly farming initiative.
The project to enhance biodiversity on farmland is funded by BMW UK’s Recharge in Nature project, a partnership secured by National Parks Partnerships which will be delivered by Cumbria Wildlife Trust with support from Lake District National Park Authority.
Several sites have already been identified for the project, and until September, Cumbria Wildlife Trust said it was working closely with farmers taking part in the nature-friendly farming initiative to manage seed sowing, transplanting seeds from nearby donor sites.
Claire Foster, farming officer for Lake District National Park Authority, said: “In the Lake District, species rich hay meadows have been shaped by centuries of low intensity farming, through a traditional calendar of grazing by sheep and cattle, combined with annual hay-making.
“These grasslands are typically unimproved or semi-improved, meaning they haven’t been heavily fertilised or reseeded.
“As the Lake District faces increasing challenges, the protection of species-rich grassland is more important than ever.
“These habitats support nature, traditional farming systems, store carbon, improve soil and livestock health, and support pollinators, enhancing the landscape that underpins our food systems.
“We’re delighted to have received this funding from BMW UK, which allows us to work with Cumbria Wildlife Trust to raise awareness of the value of traditionally managed hay meadows.”
Tanya St Pierre, grassland and pollinator team leader at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, said: “Species-rich hay meadows are one of the rarest grasslands in the UK, yet the most biodiverse.
“Providing farmers and landowners with the opportunity to enrich their grasslands with rare and declining native plants, is a great step forward towards helping safeguard their future in Cumbria.”
Entering its third year, the Recharge in Nature partnership between BMW UK and national parks has seen 81 new electric vehicle charge points installed across the Lake District, Peak District, Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors, Dartmoor, and Bannau Brycheiniog national parks over the last two years, with more to come later this year.
Each national park also has its own nature restoration and community impact project funded through the partnership, which includes the hay meadow project.
Emily Barrow, brands communications manager at BMW UK, said: “The Recharge in Nature partnership is about making a real impact to the national parks by enhancing accessibility for drivers of electric vehicles.
“Through this partnership, we’re proud to be supporting the Lake District to not only increase EV charging access, but the restoration of vital habitats that not only underpins biodiversity, but also plays a key role in sustainable farming.”
