Meadows & Nature Corridors
Enhancing nature, increasing carbon sequestration, and improving water quality
The fields surrounding Swinton Bivouac were converted to wildflower meadows in 2013 to counteract over-grazing. All stock was removed to reduce the nutrient and yellow rattle was sown to reduce the vigour of the rye and canary grasses.
A ten-year management programme was entered into with Nidderdale AONB, providing for periodic surveys, and measures such as late season cuts to ensure the enhancement of wildflower diversity (allowing flowers to mature and set seed), restoration of habitat for invertebrates, small mammals, and birds, and to maintain low levels of soil fertility.
The meadow seeds were supplied by a donor meadow in Nidderdale. Ten years later, we were asked to become a donor meadow ourselves. Seeds from our fields have now been donated to new meadows in the local area and will continue to be harvested every three years. Following on from the success of this project, we have sown flower meadows at a smaller scale at one of our holiday cottages, our community orchard, and the Estate Office.
