National Meadows Conference
18 May 2026
We are delighted to be co-hosting the National Meadows Conference 2026
Date: 19-20 June 2026
Place: Kew Wakehurst, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH17 6TN
Price: £45
Programme: available here
Book: via booking link
This year’s national meadows conference will be held in the High Weald, at Kew Wakehurst from 19-20 June. The conference will bring together an inspiring line-up of speakers and practitioners working at the forefront of meadow ecology, offering science-based, practical tips for landowners, gardeners and all meadow makers.
Our glorious meadows
The High Weald is rich in ancient species-rich grasslands and glorious meadows, supporting an incredible variety of plants, animals, waxcaps and other fungi.
These meadows don’t happen by accident. They are the result of generations of careful stewardship, and of understanding the complex relationships between soil biology, plants, insects, grazing animals and people.
The High Weald National Landscape team has been supporting meadow restoration for over 25 years, helping to stem the decline of traditional grasslands and to establish species-rich meadows on a landscape scale.
Putting science into practice
The conference is at Kew Wakehurst, from 19-20 June 2026. It will take place in a 250-seat marquee set within Yew Tree Meadow, beside the Millennium Seed Bank, one of the most important conservation sites in the world and the perfect setting to explore the future of species-rich grasslands.
The event is run in partnership with Kew Wakehurst, Marches Meadow Group and Middle Marches Community Land Trust. It aims to bridge the gap between science and practice, helping you understand scientific findings and apply them successfully to restore or create biodiverse meadows.
From soils and fungi to seeds, pollination, grazing and nature-connectedness, the event will bring together an inspiring line-up of speakers and practitioners working at the forefront of meadow ecology. Whether you manage a large estate, community greenspace or your own garden meadow, you will leave with practical knowledge you can immediately put into action.
Book now!
Tickets to the two-day event cost £45. We expect them to sell out fast, so book now, via the Kew Wakehurst booking link.
View the full conference programme.
What will I learn?
- How soil structure and microbial life influence meadow success
- The critical role of fungi and mycorrhizal networks
- Practical approaches to establishing and managing wildflower communities
- Pollination ecology and supporting insect populations
- Seed selection, provenance and establishment techniques
- The use of grazing as a management tool
- How meadows support wellbeing and human connection with nature
What will I see?
Friday 19 June 2026
A full day of:
- Expert presentations
- Panel discussions
- Flash talks
- Audience Q&A sessions
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking
Saturday 20 June 2026
Field and practical day including:
- Guided meadow walks
- Demonstrations
- Practical management sessions
- Informal talks wit practitioners and researchers
- A chance to explore the rich matrix of Wakehurst’s meadows
Who is the event for?
- Landowners and estate managers
- Farmers and graziers
- Ecologists and conservation professionals
- Gardeners and meadow enthusiasts
- Students and researchers
How do I get there?
Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN.
Nearest train station is Haywards Heath, which has a taxi rank outside.