Group plans to create more hay meadows

A local group has been awarded funding to help combat the reduction in hay meadows.

Zero Carbon Llanidloes is aiming to "do its bit" to tackle the loss of 97 per cent of hay meadows from UK farmland and encourage more wildflowers and birds.

The group has successfully bid for funding to create traditional hay meadows near Llanidloes.

The first three meadows will be created this summer with more meadows being planted in 2022.

In addition, the farming past and future of the area will be celebrated in an exhibition of photos and artefacts telling the story of agriculture and the way it has shaped this part of Wales.

Local farmer and Director of the Wilderness Trust, Fran Blockley, said: “We are delighted that Zero Carbon Llanidloes has got this funding.

"Restoring hay meadows is not just great for the environment but it is also a great way to bring communities together.

"People can get involved in everything from seed collection to harvesting.

"Older farmers, who remember how things used to be, can share their knowledge.  And we hope to encourage a love of nature in young people so that they can create their own “garden meadow” at home."

The funding for the project is from the Welsh Government’s Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Fund, administered by Wales Council for Voluntary Action, and Zero Carbon Llanidloes will be working with three partners, Montgomeryshire Wildlife Trust, Radnorshire Wildlife Trust and The Wilderness Trust to deliver the project.  

If anyone would like more details or to get involved in the project, please contact Duncan Burwood, Zero Carbon Llanidloes, on 07589 907811 or email dfsburwood@pc-q.net