Swindon forest meadows project
Swindon Forest Meadows is a joint project between the council and Wiltshire Wildlife Trust. It works across 12 sites covering about 170 hectares to create, restore and improve grassland, woodland and scrub.
About the project
The project has created new woodland, scrub and grassland at Mouldon Hill Country Park. It has also created new woodland and restored the river at the Rivermead Flood Storage Area.
The project has supported community projects across Swindon, including:
- Shaftesbury Lakes
- Raybrook Meadow
- The Prinnels
- Foundation Park
- Penhill Haven
Funding comes from developer contributions and other biodiversity grants. The programme improves existing grassland for wildlife. Where possible, this includes bringing back wildflowers and using more traditional meadow management.
After the success of the programme, and with support from many local volunteers, we agreed in 2023 to extend and expand the project.
In 2024, five Community Pocket Woodlands are being created, along with a forest garden and tree nursery. This work is in partnership with Central Swindon North, South Swindon and Haydon Wick Parish Councils.
These new sites are in urban areas. They will help people connect with trees and create nature-rich habitats for urban wildlife. More Community Pocket Woods are planned for 2025.
Events, activities and volunteering
You can view the latest events, activities and volunteering opportunities for the project, and book a session, on the Swindon Forest Meadows project volunteering page.
For more information, email swindonforestmeadows@wiltshirewildlife.org. You can also visit the Swindon Forest Meadows Facebook page, which Wiltshire Wildlife Trust manages.
Sessions vary from week to week and may include:
- bee walks at Mouldon Hill to record and monitor bumblebees
- checking small mammal footprint tunnels at Clouts Wood nature reserve in Wroughton
- planting trees at Rivermead Flood Storage Area
- regular Thursday volunteer days at Swindon Lagoons nature reserve
- sowing wildflower seeds at Tadpole Nature Park
- family-friendly wildlife days at Shaftesbury Lake
Other nature sites to visit
Wiltshire Wildlife Trust manages other nature sites in and near Swindon that you can visit, including:
- Morningside Meadows – five fields near Royal Wootton Bassett with an abundance of wildflowers and strong summer colour
- Hagbourne Copse – a pocket of woodland in west Swindon that gives wildlife breathing space
- St Julian's Community Woodland – a small, newly planted broadleaved wood in South Marston near Swindon that will reward regular visitors as it grows and matures
For further information and ways to get involved, email CommunityForest@swindon.gov.uk.