Cheshire Wildlife Trust, which is based just outside Malpas, is celebrating after it was able to create a network of new meadows thanks to supporters of its ‘Save Our Marvellous Meadows Appeal’.

Nearly £12,000, has been raised to date, which will help the Trust continue its campaign to restore 100 hectares of species-rich grassland in Cheshire, within the next 10 years.

Supporters of the appeal were invited to a special plug planting event at the Trust’s Swettenham Meadows Nature Reserve, in east Cheshire, where they had the opportunity to plant some perennial wildflowers including bee favourite’s meadow vetchling and bird’s-foot trefoil.

Martin Varley, director of conversation, said: “Many grassland specialist pollinators such as bees, butterflies, hoverflies and moths are in rapid decline, due to this loss in our region’s landscape.

“Insect-feeding small mammals and birds such as the yellow wagtail, lapwing and skylark have all also been impacted by the losses.”

In 2017 the Trust restored eight hectares of meadows and its campaign attracted interest from across the region with many potential sites being put forward for this year.

Jo Darlington, director of fundraising and communications, added: “We have received fantastic support not just through our supporters’ generous donations and our wonderful volunteers who have given their time, but also through the support of organisations in the county.

“We’d like to thank everyone that has got involved. We know how important meadows and pollinators are to people and these funds will enable us to continue our important meadows restoration work.”

Two years ago, the Trust started a project to restore meadow habitats at its Swettenham Meadows Nature Reserve, with support from the national Coronation Meadows scheme.

Following the spread of a crop of green hay from nearby donor meadow Dane-in-shaw Pasture Nature Reserve in Congleton, there has already been a marked difference in the diversity of plant species.

If you would like to support Cheshire Wildlife Trust and its ‘Save Our Marvellous Meadows Appeal’ visit their website at www.cheshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/meadowsappeal