sow the seeds of a greener future.

The Wiltshire Wildlife Trust is hosting an event at Blakehill Farm, in Cricklade, from 10am until 2pm on Sunday. Volunteers will plant a hedgerow, create an outdoor education zone and sow wildflower seeds – all as part of the national Save Our Magnificent Meadows campaign, aimed at transforming the fortunes of vanishing wildflower meadows and grasslands.

Toos van Noordwijk, Magnificent Meadows public engagement officer for the trust, said: “This hedgerow will be very good for pollinators. Comprising mixed native species including hawthorn, blackthorn and guelder rose, it will provide food for bees, particularly early in spring when there’s not much else around.”

There will be a range of wildflower seeds to sow, especially cornflower annuals, which are a really good pollen and nectar source for struggling pollinators such as bumble bees, solitary bees and butterflies.

“The meadows have declined so much,” says Dr van Noordwijk. “The fact we can make a change and increase flowers for bumblebees is a great thing.”

The hedgerow will form a natural boundary for a children’s alfresco classroom, as well as providing shelter for birds and small mammals.

Dr van Noordwijk aded: “I’m particularly excited about the education area, which will bring children into close contact with good quality meadows.”

Volunteers are asked to wear sturdy boots and bring a packed lunch, and meet at Blakehill car park, on the B4040, near Cricklade, at 10am.