This is a celebration of the glorious wildflower meadows that can still be found throughout the British Isles! Sadly, 97% of them have been lost over the last 100 years due to changes in agricultural practices and development of land. The good news is that there is now a concerted effort by charities like Plantlife and the Coronation Meadow scheme to promote their recovery. New meadows are being planted and farmers are being encouraged to leave a wildflower border around crop fields. Research has shown that yields actually increase! Some meadows here are allowed to flower all summer whereas the traditional hay meadows of the Yorkshire Dales including Muker and Swaledale are mown in July and the hay stored for winter fodder. This used to be common practice everywhere. Enjoy the meadows and the wildlife they bring – but tread carefully!
Film and all photography by Steve Poole 2021
Music Credits:
'Warm Summer Rain' (S. Poole).
'Dark Haired Marie' (Goff Richards) performed by the Black Dyke Band (live recording) with Philip Cobb (solo Cornet)
Locations:
Llanerchaeron National Trust, Aberaeron, Ceredigion, Wales; Polesden Lacey estate, Surrey;
Sheepleas meadows, Horsley, Surrey; Albury, Surrey; Yorkshire Dales, England - Muker, Gunnerside & Keld (Swaledale), Grassington (Upper Wharfedale), Malham, Hawes
