Wildflowers in bloom as nature recovery project begins at Great Chalfield

A vibrant display of wildflowers is bringing summer colour to Great Chalfield, as part of a new partnership between the National Trust, Wiltshire Wildlife Trust and Great Western Community Forest.

The display of poppies, cornflowers, corn chamomile and corncockles is part of a ‘nurse crop’, which provides ground cover and food for pollinators, while helping young seedlings take root by suppressing weeds and offering a protective canopy.

Although the wildflower meadows are not open to the public, they are part of a long-term plan to transform former arable land into a mix of woodland habitats. The project is made possible through the Trees for Climate fund via the Great Western Community Forest.

Over the winter months, around 11,000 trees were planted, alongside seed sowing and infrastructure improvements such as fencing. The trees will grow into a variety of habitats including broadleaved woodland, silvo-arable systems, and wood pasture parkland, creating a rich and diverse landscape.

The land is being managed by Wiltshire Wildlife Trust under a 49-year lease, with the aim of creating a hub for nature’s recovery and regenerative farming.

Chelsie Fuge, Head of Nature Recovery at Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, said, “Beyond the flowers, hearing the song of skylarks and seeing hares in the fields is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you give nature space.

“Our long-term commitment here is to build on these early signs, creating a resilient, connected landscape where both wildlife and sustainable farming can flourish. We’re laying the foundations for the woodlands, parklands, and thriving ecosystems of the future. It’s a privilege to manage this land on behalf of the National Trust and work alongside them and the Great Western Community Forest.”

For updates on the Great Chalfield regenerative farming project, visit the blog section at wiltshirewildlife.org.