Buttercup Meadow and our 'Biodiversity Project'
Buttercup Meadow is a 5.5 acre field situated near Hallington in rural Northumberland. Aptly named because of the proliferation of buttercups in late spring.
We purchased the meadow in 2015. Back then it was a field which had previously been used for pasture, mainly sheep as far as we know. There appeared to be little in the way of wildlife at the field apart from the odd hare. The pasture and hedgerows were nibbled and kept short and trimmed. We wanted to improve the biodiversity and the field to be teeming with wildlife, however, in its usage at that time the field would not deliver on this.
We allowed the sheep to stay for a year or so but were cognisant that we would never get anything growing while the sheep present so they were given their marching orders!
We purchased the meadow in 2015. Back then it was a field which had previously been used for pasture, mainly sheep as far as we know. There appeared to be little in the way of wildlife at the field apart from the odd hare. The pasture and hedgerows were nibbled and kept short and trimmed. We wanted to improve the biodiversity and the field to be teeming with wildlife, however, in its usage at that time the field would not deliver on this.
We allowed the sheep to stay for a year or so but were cognisant that we would never get anything growing while the sheep present so they were given their marching orders!
!
Thus the project began.
Tree planting was first on the agenda and with the help of groups including Living Woods (North East) and Peoples Kitchen, a tree planting program began in 2016. Over 900 trees were planted in the space of 18 months. Native species including birch, hazel, oak, beech, aspen, rowan, field maple and european larch. The wetter areas were planted with willow and alder.
Thus the project began.
Tree planting was first on the agenda and with the help of groups including Living Woods (North East) and Peoples Kitchen, a tree planting program began in 2016. Over 900 trees were planted in the space of 18 months. Native species including birch, hazel, oak, beech, aspen, rowan, field maple and european larch. The wetter areas were planted with willow and alder.
Alongside the tree planting, wildflowers have been introduced, some into specially prepared areas, where barley straw has been used to clear the ground of the tough pasture vegetation.. This allows stocks of plants to be cultivated for planting out and introducing into the meadow.
Yarrow planted in large swathes in specially prepared areas.
Promoting health and well being in the community combined with education on sustainable and organic growing practices through workshops and workdays held at the meadow. With panaromic views of the lovely Northumberland countryside, a great day is had by all.
Workshops and workdays include activities that benefit wildlife and biodiversity at the meadow such as tree planting.
Getting stuck into activities such as laying out a mulch of barley straw is very rewarding and enjoyable!
Making raised beds from reclaimed materials keeps everyone busy and warm on a cold autumnal day!
The 'Friends of Buttercup Meadow'
The 'Friends of Buttercup Meadow' community group was established in 2022 with the following aims:
- To provide opportunities for families and friends to participate in quality of life activities at Buttercup Meadow.
- To work alongside the partners of QR Composting Solutions to support the delivery of training and education in organic and sustainable growing practices.
- To host and co-host regular workshops, courses and events on a range of environmental topics to provide training and learning opportunities for the wider community.
- To build effective partnerships with the wider community, promoting health and wellbeing and raise awareness of the importance of organic and sustainable gardening and growing.
- To improve the biodiversity of Buttercup Meadow, maintaining and establishing healthy ecosytems with a focus on soil health.
- To innovate, research and develop eco growing technologies at Buttercup Meadow and trial organic and sustainable growing methods and systems both old and new.
