‘An inspiring movement’ – Major milestone as 3,000 acres of wildflower meadows thrive across Devon

More than 3,000 acres of wildflower meadows are now being cared for by members of a Devon-based conservation group, as it marks its tenth anniversary.

Moor Meadows, a community of nature enthusiasts formed on Dartmoor in 2015, now oversees 720 individual sites across the county – providing a vital habitat for pollinators like bees and butterflies.

The group began as a small network of landowners and gardeners keen to share advice, equipment and seeds to restore flower-rich grasslands.

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Over the past decade, it has grown into a county-wide movement with hundreds of members working together to boost biodiversity.

“I love learning about how marvellous nature is and how I can encourage biodiversity in my own orchard,” said member Amanda Makin.

The combined effort now spans 3,059 acres across Devon, with Dartmoor National Park still home to the highest number of mapped meadows.

However, 423 of the sites are located elsewhere in the county, from small private gardens to working farms.

Some landowners have created large areas of wildflower-rich grassland, while others have transformed smaller spaces.

A former pony paddock near the River Teign at Lower Ashton now supports 108 different plant species, and an unploughed meadow by the River Mole in northern Devon has more than 180 recorded species.

Traditional hay meadows have also been restored on farms in areas including the South Hams, the Blackdown Hills and northern Dartmoor.

Moor Meadows co-founder Donna Cox, who lives in Buckfastleigh, said: “What began ten years ago as a small gathering in a village hall on Dartmoor, has since blossomed into an inspiring movement. The remarkable growth and impact of the group over the past decade is a testament to the dedication and passion of all members in helping to reverse the trend of national wildlife declines.”

She added: “This includes addressing the loss of wildflowers from the countryside, the decline of insects dependent on flower-rich grasslands, and the birds and small mammals that rely on these insects as a vital food source.”

The benefits of even small-scale meadow creation are evident. One member’s one-acre meadow next to a wildlife-friendly garden in Shaugh Prior is now home to 12 bee species, over 20 types of butterflies and more than 300 moth species.

Member Jackie Andrade said: “It’s inspiring seeing how small changes can produce amazing meadows. I have made progress with my meadow thanks to generous advice from the Moor Meadows community.”

Public access is available at several community meadows, including those in Bridford and Kenn, at St Mary’s churchyard in Throwleigh, and at Fernworthy Reservoir on Dartmoor. Many members also open their meadows to visitors between May and August as part of seasonal events.

“It’s so satisfying to know you are part of an active group dedicated to helping to establish and maintain such an important habitat at a time when the natural world is under so much stress,” said member Steve Smith.

Moor Meadows has also received 40 submissions from meadow-makers just beyond the Devon border, including sites in Cornwall and Somerset.