Hay Time - Working with farmers to restore meadows across the Dales
What is the Hay Time project?
The Hay Time project aims to restore species-rich hay meadows across the Yorkshire Dales, as well as promote a greater understanding and enjoyment of these special grasslands.
Why is it needed?
Changes in farming practice, in particular ploughing, re-seeding, silage management and addition of inorganic fertilisers, have lead to a dramatic decline in the extent and diversity of traditional hay meadows. The remaining species-rich meadow resource is highly fragmented.
What makes upland hay meadows special?
- High botanic diversity: over 30 species per square metre
- Habitat for wide variety of fauna including nesting birds
- Habitat unique to upland valleys in North Yorkshire, Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland
- An iconic component of our rural heritage
How are sites restored?
Seed is harvested from species-rich donor sites by taking a cut of green hay, using the project's own machinery and contractors.
The seed is transferred to a carefully selected local receptor site by strewing the hay while it is still green. Seeds then fall as the hay dries, introducing a variety of traditional meadow species.
How are farmers paid?
Donor farmers get paid between £240-400/ha for the green hay harvested, which should cover costs of buying in any replacement hay as well as provide a good price for the valuable seed.
Receptor farmers in agri-environment schemes receive grants to cover up to 100% of costs of restoration work. They can then access higher payments for maintenance of their restored meadows.
What does the project hope to achieve?
The three and a half year project aims to restore and enhance 120 ha of upland
meadow and 100 ha of lowland meadow throughout the Dales. Providing advice
on meadow management and restoration is also a key objective, with training
events planned for the following years. YDMT has also helped set up a twin
project in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
More info:
Please contact our Hay Time Project Officer.
Funding
Tubney Charitable Trust, English Nature's Countdown 2010 Fund, YDNPA Sustainable Development Fund, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Defra RES.
A more detailed leaflet about the scheme is available to download on the Resources page.
