Little Shelford Community Orchard and Woodland Project was awarded £4,170 in PEBBLE funding to develop a wildflower meadow on an acre of previously unused grassland. 

The grassland is located next to the existing community orchard and woodland, which is already valued by local residents as an important nature spot. By extending and enhancing the area, the project team aimed to increase biodiversity, create an attractive green space for the community and encourage volunteers to take part in its long-term maintenance. 

Thanks to the funding, the team was able to undertake hedge laying and meadow seeding across the site. The hedge laying was carried out by E.W. Thwaites, with a dedicated group of volunteers helping to clear dead foliage from the hedge. Volunteers also created several bug hotels and log piles to provide additional habitats for wildlife. 

Wet weather delayed the planting of the wildflower meadow, but the team worked with Timberforce to prepare the ground and sow a seed mix containing 28 different wildflower varieties. 

Having focused considerable effort on developing the meadow, the team now looks forward to seeing the hedge mature and support a greater diversity of plants, insects, birds and other wildlife. 

The project has received an overwhelmingly positive response, not only from residents of Little Shelford but also from neighbouring villages and has been featured in several local magazines. The team hopes this success will encourage more people to volunteer and support the ongoing maintenance and development of the site.