How to become a Wildflower Meadow Maker
Wildflower meadows are one of Britain’s most threatened habitats, but they are also one of the most powerful tools we have for restoring nature. That’s why WATER (Wild About The Erme River) and Devon Wildlife Trust are proud to introduce Erme Meadow Makers, a long-term initiative to grow a living network of meadow habitats across the River Erme catchment.
Think of meadows like a pearl necklace. Each meadow, however large or small, is a pearl: beautiful and valuable on its own, but far more meaningful when connected to others. Together they form a chain of habitat along which wildlife can travel, shelter, feed, and thrive. Bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, mammals and countless other species depend on these connections. Our goal is to add pearls to that necklace, and every landowner, farmer, and garden owner in the Erme catchment has a role to play. Any size of garden, field or farm is welcome.
The Erme Meadow Makers initiative aims to connect fragmented habitats, boost biodiversity across the Erme catchment, and draw inspiration from the remarkable meadows that already exist here. There is so much we can learn from those who have already taken the plunge, and so much more we can achieve together.
To mark the beginning of this journey, we’re holding a bookable, free landowner and land manager drop-in event at Shilstone House Cafe on Thursday, 14th May 2026.
Lynne Kenderdine from Devon Wildlife Trust will be on hand to offer expert, confidential advice on wildflower meadow creation and restoration and any available grant schemes. Whether you manage an acre or a hundred, this is your opportunity to find out what’s possible on your land. She is also able to offer seed collected from local meadows to be sown this autumn to help get you started.
Bookable 30-minute advice slots will be available for landowners within the Erme catchment (see map) from 10:30 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 15:00 , bookable via Eventbrite:
If you’d prefer to come along informally, or live outside the catchment there will also be a free walk-in session from 15:00–16:00. Bring along maps, photos, or any questions you have — no question is too small. Members of the WATER team will also be on hand throughout the day to talk about the wider work happening across the Erme catchment, answer questions, and share how you can get involved with the river’s recovery.Nature recovery in our catchment starts with us. Come and be part of it.