Nidderdale National Landscape’s grassland habitats make up half of our land cover and are valuable for plants and wildlife. These habitats range from rough, seldom-grazed grasslands to intensively managed silage fields and pastures.

The include precious and beautiful flower-rich meadows, evoking memories of colourful, insect-filled fields. Increasingly rare – the UK as lost approximately 97% of these meadows in the last 50 years, Nidderdale National Landscape still has some excellent examples.

Across the National Landscape you might be able to see

• Upland calcareous grassland: Species-rich, dominated by fine-leaved grasses, found on carboniferous limestone.
• Calaminarian grasslands: Specialized plant species on lead-mining waste, including alpine pennycress and rare lichens.
• Magnesian limestone grassland: Unique plants and invertebrates on Permian-era limestone, with over 13 nationally scarce plants and 84 scarce invertebrates.

Our work focuses on

• Work with and advising landowners, farmers and land managers to restore meadows. We also help them access grants such as Sustainable Farming Incentive.
• Running events for the general public about the rich plants and wildlife of our meadows.
• Training volunteers to help us survey and monitor meadows in the National Landscape.