Centuries ago farmers alleviated the problem of seasonal flooding by creating ridges and furrows across the landscape at Meadow Farm. Today this has helped to create two important microhabitats at the 28-hectare site in Oxfordshire, which are rich in rare wildflower species.

As well as creating a spectacularly colourful landscape, these plants also provide a valuable food source during the breeding season for threatened wading birds including snipe, lapwing and curlew, as well supporting several rare species of invertebrate.

Improvements to the site at Meadow Farm included the conversion of a garage into a toilet block and storage unit; installation of disabled access to the block; creation of a pond complex with boardwalks and dipping platforms; and building an outdoor learning space to host education activities.

The grant has enabled the Berkshire, Buckinghamshire & Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust to run a number of community engagement activities, providing local people with a new open green space and encouraging audiences who do not traditionally engage with the natural environment to explore their heritage within the nature reserve.