Managing wildflower meadows
Managing a meadow appropriately will, over time, help to increase the range and number of flowers that it supports, increasing the quantity and quality of foraging habitat for bumblebees.
Wildflower-rich grasslands are the most important habitat for bumblebees as they provide plants throughout the summer and contain many nectar and pollen-rich plant species, which are favoured by bumblebees.
Management of a meadow will include cutting the meadow in late summer and removing the clippings, avoiding the application of chemical fertilisers and minimal application of manure, as well as grazing in spring and autumn if possible.
Please be aware that each site is unique and the recommended management approach will depend on local site conditions and the historical or traditional management regime. For site-specific advice, please contact your local Bumblebee Conservation Trust Conservation Officer – email@example.com