Worcestershire Wildlife Trust buys three wildflower meadows

Sands Meadows have been purchased by the Wildlife Trust thanks to the grant of £49,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The award creates a new nature reserve which will be managed to protect its wildlife value for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

The meadows are part of a long chain of around 60 important grassland sites stretching from Pershore to Astwood Bank. Sands Meadows provide an additional important link in this chain. The meadows were designated as a Local Wildlife Site in 1990, reflecting their importance for wildlife in the local landscape.

James Hitchcock, conservation officer for the Trust, explained "Due to many years of care by its previous owner the meadows already have around 60 species of grasses and flowering plants. These include cowslip, knapweed, birds-foot trefoil and lady's bedstraw which attract bees, butterflies and many other insects.

"Through this grant we aim to further increase this number and the spread of the plants over the site through the traditional management of grazing and hay making."

Brown hairstreak butterflies
The boundary hedges also offer potential new territory for the nationally scarce brown hairstreak butterfly which has its stronghold in nearby Wildlife Trust nature reserve Grafton Wood. By careful management of the hedges it is hoped to provide an abundance of the 2-5 year old growth of blackthorn which is favoured for egg laying.

Volunteers needed
The Wildlife Trust will be seeking the support of local volunteers to assist its conservation officers in managing this special place. It will also be offering visits and activities with local schoolchildren and residents to encourage understanding and appreciation of a valuable local asset.