Pantpurlais wildflower meadow update

Last year, we told you about a wildflower meadow we were supporting a landowner to plant in Llandrindod Wells, Mid-Wales.

This year, we want to let you know how it's going! Spoiler alert - it's going very well! But read on to understand what we mean.

Where?

Llandrindod Wells, sometimes known colloquially as Landod is a town and community in Powys - Wales's most sparsely populated county.

What was planted?

It was close to Llandrindod Wells that we planted a 1.5-acre site. The site approach was mixed - some space was reserved for trees planted in 2021.

We planted 717 trees with many familiar species, including Silver Birch, Downy Birch, Sessile Oak, Small-leaved Lime, Wild Cherry, Common Alder, Hazel, Crab Apple, Wild Damson, Holly, Bird Cherry, and Elder. We predict this growing woodland will capture 204 tons of carbon in the next 50 years.

In spring 2022, we sowed a full acre with wildflower meadow seed.

A pleasant meander around Pantpurlais’ budding wildflower meadow. Imagine it in a few years!

Where's it at now?

The meadow was cut and collected late last summer and is now more established. Many species sown in the mix were perennials – which don't flower in their first year – but it has been noted they are coming through.

The meadow will be cut and collected again in a few weeks as part of the regular maintenance wildflower meadows require.

The landowner will alter when they cut back the meadow - anytime between mid-July to early-Oct from year to year for the widest range of species to come through.

Almost all of the 717 trees planted have taken! Many are now showing out of the top of the guards put around them when planted to keep them safe from nibbling animals. Signs of great growth!

While visiting, a bird survey was completed. Breeding birds recorded on site include Willow Warbler, Redstart, Pied Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Stonechat, and Raven. Positive biodiversity change has already been noted. New species (not recorded during the 2021 and 2022 bird surveys) but recorded breeding for the first time in 2023 include Song Thrush and Tree Pipit. The bird survey concluded that the numbers are all stable or increasing - a definite tick in the success column!

The landowner also reported that badgers are regularly on site.

Trees, wildflowers, and all other plants have their places throughout the UK, uniquely contributing to developing biodiversity.

This project at Pantpurlais has been tremendously fulfilling for us. We are excited to hear of the progress made in the years to come.

Pantpurlais is just one project Protect Earth has managed to bring to light. If you have some land - a few acres to a farm - we can help you unobtrusively inject more life into your space. Just contact to learn how.

Of course, if it's out of your reach to spare land, you can spare a hand by volunteering or donating to our biodiversity fund.