Cumbria has some fantastic hay meadows that have been managed by farmers for generations. Hay-Day was set up to identify where these flower rich meadows are in the county, and then to work with farmers to enhance, restore and manage these meadows using traditional practices to increase plant diversity. This will increase biodiversity in the project area, which takes in the Lake District National Park and the Orton Fells.

Over the first three years of the project we have surveyed over 400 meadows and have restored 39 hectares by adding wildflower seed. We have provided input into 39 Farm Environment Plans/HLS agreements safeguarding meadows through appropriate management. 17 meadows have been designated as new County Wildlife Sites; these are often meadows we use as seed donors.

The project also inspires people who are outside the farming community to enhance or restore their meadows. We provide management advice for smallholders and community groups, and give walks and talks throughout the county.

We offer farmers:

• a free botanical survey of your hay meadows
• free no-obligation hay meadow management suggestions based on the outcome of our surveys
• free advice on hay meadows and their inclusion in agri-environment schemes
• organising contractors to collect or spread seed/green hay for restoring hay meadows.

However, we need your help to:

• find flower-rich meadows (do you have any on your holding?)
• identify fields you would like to restore to flower-rich meadows
• identify good flower-rich, weed-free meadows that you would be willing to let us use as donor sites. 

For more information contact Claire Cornish, Hay-Day Ecologist, on 01539 816300 or emai This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it