A PROJECT to conserve wildflower-rich meadows and grasslands is being piloted in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The 'Saving Our Magnificent Meadows' project aims to protect and restore wildlife-rich grasslands by working with landowners.

It is being led locally by the Cotswolds Conservation Board and nationally by the environmental charity Plantlife.

Between 1930 and 1970, 97 per cent of all wildflower-rich meadows and grasslands were lost in England and Wales.

The project currently being piloted intends to manage surviving and restore lost wildflower grasslands to their former glory by informing landowners about grassland management opportunities.

The pilot is being funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and, if successful, will be rolled out across the Cotswolds and eight other project areas nationally over the next three years.

Under the pilot, which runs until October, small holders who own less than 100 acres of grassland are being asked to help the project by contacting Chantal Brown Consulting to organise a site visit.

Because the project is about management and restoration landowners do not need to have an existing wildflower grassland to receive a visit.

Visits will offer practical advice and a follow-up report will detail best practice land management and up to date information about the grants available to support conservation measures.

For more information contact Chantal Brown by calling 0777 8700 539 or by emailing ChantalBrownConsulting@gmail.com