The project, Living Field, builds on previous work to restore rare arable plant species in the Vale of Glamorgan, between Clemenstone Meadows and the Southerndown Coast. These areas form part of Wales’ network of protected sites, but they remain under pressure from habitat loss and agricultural change.
Species including the Field Woundwort, Field Madder and Round-leaved Fluellen are now in scattered populations, representing one of the steepest declines of any plant group in the UK.
To support long-term population recovery, the partnership will implement the Rare Arable Plant Reintroduction Programme.
Activities will include:
- monitoring and surveys to inform habitat management and species reintroduction
- habitat creation of arable crops and hedgerows
- hosting school visits and farm-tours to deepen community environmental understanding
- training for farmers, ecologists and volunteers to strengthen green skills
Polly Davies, Farmer at Slade Farm, said: “The project is about farming in a way that works with nature, not against it, bringing back rare plants, learning as we go, and helping people see the link between food, farming and the natural world on their doorstep.”
Living Field was awarded funding through the Nature Networks Fund, distributed by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government and in partnership with Natural Resources Wales.
