Re-Connecting Grasslands

What is it?

The Re-connecting Grasslands project is a county-wide habitat restoration programme focused on restoring and reconnecting species-rich wildflower meadows across Cheshire.

Around 99% of Cheshire’s species-rich grasslands have been lost since 1930 as a result of agricultural intensification, land-use change and urbanisation. The remaining habitats are often fragmented, vulnerable and in declining condition, placing pressure on specialist species including waxcap fungi, pollinating invertebrates, ground-nesting birds and rare native orchids.

The programme combines habitat restoration with long-term community stewardship. Delivery includes restoring and creating wildflower meadows using locally harvested seed from a donor meadow network, alongside developing sustainable management plans to ensure long-term ecological resilience.

Native wildflower species, including rare plants, are propagated through nurseries and community partnerships, while targeted species reintroductions help strengthen genetic diversity and prevent local extinction.

Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?

Species-rich grasslands are among the UK’s most threatened habitats yet provide significant ecological and environmental benefits including pollinator support, carbon storage, soil health improvement and landscape resilience.

The loss and fragmentation of these habitats has weakened biodiversity networks across Cheshire and reduced opportunities for wildlife recovery.

This project has been developed to rebuild a resilient grassland network across the county while embedding communities, volunteers and landowners into long-term conservation and stewardship.

The programme also supports skills development, education and greater public connection to nature recovery.

What is it going to deliver?

By 2030, the project will deliver:

• Creation and restoration of approximately 200 hectares of species-rich grassland
• Engagement with at least 40 landowners and community groups
• Propagation of more than 200,000 native wildflower plug plants
• Training and education in meadow management and restoration
• Reintroduction of threatened native plant species
• Establishment of locally resilient meadow networks
• Community and volunteer participation in seed harvesting and practical conservation
• Improved habitat connectivity for pollinators and specialist grassland species
• Long-term biodiversity and ecosystem resilience across Cheshire

The project aims to establish a connected and resilient grassland network that supports wildlife, ecosystem services and community stewardship.