There’s a buzz in the air for this year’s National Meadows Day as Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) prepares a day full of exciting activities to celebrate the stunning meadows of the Dales. Set to take place on Saturday, July 6th, this event promises a delightful array of experiences for nature enthusiasts and families alike, hosted at Lower Winskill near Settle.
A Day of Meadow Magic
From 11am to 3pm, visitors can partake in a variety of free activities designed to immerse them in the beauty and importance of wildflower meadows.
The event will feature art activities, wildflower and insect identification sessions, and meadow creation workshops. Additionally, YDMT staff and volunteers will lead guided walks through the meadows, providing insights into these precious habitats and their significance.
Preserving a Natural Treasure
The Yorkshire Dales boast some of the last remaining traditional wildflower meadows in England. These meadows are not only breathtakingly beautiful but also vital for supporting a diverse range of wildlife. Over the past year, YDMT has successfully restored 55 hectares of wildflower meadows, demonstrating their commitment to preserving these crucial ecosystems.
Importance of Meadows
Catherine Mercer, Hay Time Project Manager for YDMT, highlights the significance of these habitats:
“These priority habitats are important for farming, absorb carbon and support incredible biodiversity. One field alone can contain up to 120 species of wildflowers and grasses. This is why we are working hard to restore meadows in the Dales, and thanks to our supporters and all the volunteers who have come to help us over the years, we have a lot to celebrate! We hope people will come and enjoy spending time among the flowers with us on National Meadows Day.”
Event Details
Date: July 6th
Time: 11am – 3pm
Location: Lower Winskill, Langcliffe, Settle, BD24 9PZ (note: sat nav may direct to Higher Winskill)
Activities Include:
- Make Your Own Meadow Workshop: Learn how to create and nurture your own wildflower meadow.
- Wildflower Walk: A guided tour highlighting the diverse plant species in the meadows.
- Bumblebee Walk: Discover the important role of bumblebees and how to identify them.
- Farmer Walk: Gain insights into the agricultural practices that support meadow preservation.
- Insect ID Workshops: Hands-on sessions to learn about the various insects that inhabit wildflower meadows.
- Crafts and Self-Guided Nature Trail: Engage in creative activities and explore the meadows at your own pace.
Parking and refreshments will be available on-site, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all attendees.
About Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust
The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust is a small charity with a big impact, dedicated to supporting the people, landscape, and wildlife of the Dales. Through a variety of inspiring projects, YDMT has made significant contributions to the region. These projects encompass countryside apprenticeships, community support, education and outreach, woodland and wildlife habitat restoration, and enhancing access to and understanding of this special area. To learn more about YDMT’s work, visit www.ydmt.org
