Meadows: Putting Science into Practice
1 September 2026
The third annual National Meadows Conference was held at Kew Wakehurst on 19–20 June 2026.
The conference brought together farmers, land managers, ecologists, researchers, gardeners and conservation practitioners from across the UK to share the latest science and practical experience in restoring and managing biodiverse grasslands.
The High Weald is a national stronghold for species-rich wildflower meadows. These precious grasslands support an extraordinary diversity of plants, pollinators and other wildlife, while reflecting centuries of careful stewardship and land management.
The theme of this year’s event was ‘Science into Practice’, with a focus on sharing practical knowledge that anyone can put into action, whether you manage a large estate, community greenspace or a garden meadow.
If you couldn’t join us in person, or would like to revisit a favourite talk, you can watch all of the recorded sessions below.
Session 1: The Science of Soils
Prof David Gowing, Open University Floodplain Meadows Partnership
Session 2: The Science of Fungi
Sean Cooch, Senior Grasslands Ecologist, Natural England
Session 3: The Science of Seeds
Ted Chapman, UK Conservation Partnerships Coordinator
Session 4: The Science of Pollination
Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee, Nature Unlocked Pollinator Scientist, Kew Wakehurst
Session 5: Grassland Advocacy in Practice
Jo Riggall, Grassland Advocacy Officer, Plantlife
Session 6: Meadow Seed Production
Olly Hewetson-Brown, Wildflower Co
Session 7: Restoration Practice
Alison Ruyter, Area Manager, Kent Wildlife Trust
Flashtalk 1: Collaboration for Nature Recovery
Janet Cobb and Peter Carty, Middle Marches Community Land Trust and Marches Meadow Group
Flashtalk 2: Ten Years of Supporting Species Rich Grassland
Rory Johnson, Herefordshire Meadows Group
Flashtalk 3: Galvanising Local Action to Create Meadows
Lou Carpenter, Marden Wildlife and Marden Farm cluster
Flashtalk 4: Big Meadow Search Project – results and plant blindness
Laura Moss, Carmarthenshire Meadows Group