About the reserve

Bartonsham Meadows lie within the meander of the River Wye to the south east of the city and are a popular place for walkers as they are circled and crossed by footpaths. The meadows have been owned by the Church Commissioners for England since the 1850s and has previously been used for cattle grazing. From this spring 2023, Herefordshire Wildlife Trust have been responsible for management of the site, having signed a long-term lease, and plan to restore the meadows for wildlife and for people.

Floodplain Meadow

We plan to restore part of the site, which is regularly inundated by the River Wye, to be species-rich, floodplain meadows. These will give a home to iconic meadow wildlife such as skylarks, barn owls and voles while pollinators including orange-tip butterflies and bumblebees will benefit from the spring and summer flowers. It will take some time to restore the grassland which we will reseed with locally sourced wildflower and grass seed before beginning sympathetic management through some seasonal cattle grazing as well as cutting the meadow annually and making hay.

Managed Natural Regeneration  

The remainder of the site will be managed to allow natural processes to create habitats for wildlife. A few grazing animals will be allowed to roam within the fence which will be erected this summer, over time the vegetation will create a patchwork of grassland and scrub which will be a fantastic habitat for all kinds of wildlife. We would like to make this area a haven for wildlife, for this reason access to the area will be restricted apart from occasional guided walks and wildlife recording sessions. Free access around the outside will be maintained and we hope to create one or two raised viewing points to allow people to see into the area. 

We also plan to restore old hedgerows and consider reintroducing former ponds.

Restoring Bartonsham Meadows for Wildlife and People

We are grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for supporting us to restore the site for both wildlife and people. This 3 year funding (June 24-June 27) will enable us to not only restore both the floodplain meadow and area of natural regeneration but to involve and connect with local people. 

Our Community Officer, Jenny will be developing a range of opportunities for people to get involved with - from volunteering, school visits, youth programmes, guided walks and family events. Please get in touch if you would like to find out more.