The surface of the soil at the three-acre site was disturbed and oversown with a mix of 26 native wildflowers. These species have been selected to suit the thin, limestone soils of the Mendips. The seed mix includes native wildflowers such as Lady’s bedstraw, yellow rattle, oxeye daisies and common knapweed, as well as slow growing grasses that will benefit a multitude of insects, pollinators and butterflies.

As the meadow matures, it will become a ‘donor site’, from which wildflower seeds can be harvested and used as part of other local nature conservation projects.

Since the 1930s, the UK has lost 97% of its wildflower meadows, mainly due to changes in agricultural practices. This decrease of flowers in our countryside has had a hugely negative impact on British wildlife from insects right the way up the food chain.

Nick Heather, Ranger for the National Trust, says: ‘Tor Hill Wood is such an important greenspace for our community in Wells, which is why this restoration project is so exciting. Not only are diverse wildflower meadows a vital habitat for our declining wildlife, they are also beautiful places for people to enjoy and get close to nature.’

The Mendip Landscape Project is seeking to restore priority and protected calcareous grassland habitats across the Mendips and connect the community with its nature and heritage. 

Tor Hill Wood is on the eastern fringe of the newly declared Mendip Hills ‘super’ National Nature Reserve, providing an important stepping stone of calcareous limestone grassland habitat within the 1,400ha area of land.