Meadow Transformation

At Wild Maple field, our vision is a rich habitat of various species of wild plants which is alive with invertebrates.

At the moment, much of the field largely consists of rye grass and white clover which were introduced in the past to ‘improve’ grassland for farm animals. It will need some help from us to complete its transformation, but our aim is to create a habitat rich in biodiversity.

Our goal is to slowly supplement the rye grass and white clover with additional species of grasses such as cocks foot and yorkshire fog which are food for a large number of butterfly caterpillars. These include the ringlet, gatekeeper and large skippers.

We will also grow a tapestry of colourful wildflowers which adult butterflies and lots of other invertebrates love to pollinate, such as knapweed, field scabious and oxeye daisy.

The transformation won’t end there of course. We will also introduce other plants and trees to give a helping hand to some of our struggling species of butterflies. For example, elm trees will be planted for the endangered white letter hairstreak and grasses such as red fescue and black bent to encourage the Small Heath. Where we can, we want to provide a sanctuary and sustenance for these beautiful delicate creatures.

Perhaps due to access, the slope doesn’t seem to have been ‘improved’ so there is already a much wider variety of grasses and lots of wonderful species of wildflowers including harebell, lady’s bedstraw and birds-foot trefoil. These all give splendid colour and are busy with invertebrates. In the spring this area was alive with birdsong and a hare was spotted on at least three occasions.

The wildlife on the slope gives an indication of how abundant the transformed field will be. You may have to sit quietly for a time and look closely but your patience will surely be rewarded.