The idea
We plan to restore the chalk meadows around the St Catherine's Park and Ride at Bar End in Winchester.
These important habitats have a unique flora and fauna and they are disappearing without people realising their uniqueness and importance as habitats for wildlife and people. Their proximity to the South Down National Park and city edge, make them important spaces for people to connect to the land and nature.
Left unloved and unmanaged these important meadow habitats are already showing signs of hawthorn and scrub invasion , the opportunity to create a mosaic of species rich habitats will be lost if action is not taken soon.
The fragmented sites are in multiple ownership and there is a lack of a co-hesive plan to maximise their potential in terms of wildlife and benefit to the local community.
What we'll deliver
- Hold 6 Hay making training events for local community
- Organise 2 school events
- Bring two meadow sites into traditional hay meadow management
Why it's a great idea
These important chalk meadow wildlife sites will be restored
Local people will be trained in meadow management and will be able to get directly involved in the management of these sites on their doorstep.
Local children will learn about the importance of meadows for our wildlife and pollinators.
Steps to get it done
- Our first community event to make hay at Bar End meadows
