Big Devon Meadows Count launches to uncover wildflower 'hidden gems'

An initiative aimed at uncovering and preserving Devon’s wildflower meadows is set to take place this summer, inviting landowners across the county to participate in the Big Devon Meadows Count. The project, a collaboration between Moor Meadows and the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC), seeks to map and protect species-rich grasslands, from small garden plots to large rural meadows.

With funding from the Devon Environment Foundation, the project offers a unique chance for anyone who manages wildflower-rich land to learn more about the flora on their property. Participants need no prior botanical expertise; Moor Meadows and DBRC have produced a series of short, accessible videos to help identify wildflowers and grasses commonly found in Devon’s meadows.
The Big Devon Meadows Count arrives at a crucial time for biodiversity in the UK. Once a common sight, species-rich grasslands have dramatically declined since the mid-20th century due to changes in agriculture, urban development, and commercial forestry. Today, less than 1% of the UK’s land remains as species-rich grassland, a habitat vital for wildlife, pollinators, and soil health.

By surveying these meadows, the Big Devon Meadows Count aims to create a detailed inventory of flowering plants found outside of nature reserves, offering insights on how to manage these precious habitats effectively. The findings will also help identify important wildlife sites that may be eligible for official protection.
Last year’s pilot survey focused on members of Moor Meadows, who collectively manage over 2,700 acres of grassland on Dartmoor and beyond. Of the 24 sites surveyed, four were designated as County Wildlife Sites due to their exceptional diversity of flowering plants. Another seven sites are set for further ecological assessment this year. County Wildlife Site designation ensures local planning authorities must consider the impact of potential developments on these ecologically significant areas.

Tessa Wannell, a participant in last year’s survey, described her experience surveying a 2.5-acre meadow near Postbridge: “We are very proud of the meadow, which brings us joy throughout the summer months - not only from the variety of flowers but also from the hum of bees, the sound of crickets, and the flutter of butterflies. At first, we felt nervous as complete amateurs, but the video guides and information packs were incredibly clear and helpful.”

Survey season runs from June 1st to August 31st, allowing meadow owners to choose a day to conduct their survey. Tessa noted the early summer months as the "highlight," with yellow rattle, self-heal, and orchids - southern marsh, heath spotted, and rare butterfly orchids - in full bloom.

Traditionally, wildflower meadows have been maintained by autumn and winter grazing followed by a hay cut, a practice that keeps grasslands diverse and supports pollinators. The project seeks to revive these traditional techniques to benefit wildlife.
Ian Egerton, DBRC Manager, says it's important to engage the public in nature conservation: “However high-tech the world becomes, there’s no substitute for the experience of kneeling in a meadow, hand lens in hand, identifying a wildflower. The Big Devon Meadows Count provides valuable information for decision-makers and communities, enabling us to better protect these threatened habitats.”

The project was formally launched on March 31st with an online event hosted by wildlife author and broadcaster Sophie Pavelle. The event included an illustrated talk titled “What is a Meadow?” by ecologist Jerry Tallowin, which will soon be available on the Moor Meadows YouTube channel.

Lisa Schneidau, Dartmoor-based conservationist and project lead, said: “Last year’s pilot project brought encouraging results. Imagine how many high-quality meadows and new County Wildlife Sites could emerge from the full rollout in 2025! We want as many Devon meadow owners as possible to join us this year and help shine a light on these hidden gems.”
The Big Devon Meadows Count is open to anyone with a meadow in Devon. Registration runs from now to May 30th on the Moor Meadows website. Participants will gain expert guidance on meadow management, helping to secure the future of these unique habitats for generations to come.

For more information and to register, visit www.moormeadows.org.uk/big-devon-meadows-count-2025