Seeding Change in Northumberland National Park

This project aims to increase the number of species rich upland hay meadows within the Northumberland National Park by collecting seed from species rich meadows and spreading it on fields under suitable hay meadow management to increase the numbers of flowering species. Plants grown on from native seed are also being used to diversify meadows and other grassland areas. 

Local people, schools and community groups are widely used to help in the work by surveying and helping to spread seed and are learning about the project through guided walks and events. To date around 3000 people have been involved. Local businesses have benefited in the seed collection and through contracts to grow on plants. The project continues until the end of 2008 but it is hoped it will continue in some form after this.

Lead partner

Northumberland National Park

Other partners

Natural England, Ministry of Defence

Action plans that the project helps to deliver

Upland Hay Meadows

Start date

May 2005

End date

Dec 2008

Funded by

Heritage Lottery Fund, English Nature, Northumberland National Park Authority and Ministry of Defence

Who to contact for further information

Shaun Hackett
shaun.hackett@nnpa.org.uk