Restoring Wiltshire's Botanical Heritage
Championing native flora and ancient landscapes through expert conservation and sustainable restoration.
Discover Our Work
Our Roots Run Deep
Wessex Wildflower was born from a deep-seated passion for the unique botanical heritage of the British Isles. We are a dedicated team of ecologists, botanists, and land managers deeply committed to the active conservation and thoughtful restoration of native habitats across Wiltshire and beyond.
Our mission is clear: to reverse the alarming decline of wildflower meadows and forge resilient, biodiverse landscapes that will flourish for generations. We firmly believe that by carefully reintroducing native species and managing them with ecological principles, we don't just restore natural beauty, but critically rebuild vital ecosystems that support a vibrant array of pollinators, birds, and other indigenous wildlife. Every project we undertake is a step towards a healthier, more vibrant Wessex.
Our Services
Ecological Restoration
We undertake large-scale restoration projects designed to recreate complex, ancient meadow ecosystems and other priority habitats on both private estates and public lands, ensuring ecological integrity and long-term viability.
Native Seed Propagation
Our team is committed to the ethical collection and meticulous propagation of locally-sourced, provenance-specific native wildflower seeds, guaranteeing maximum ecological benefit and genetic authenticity for every project.
Botanical Surveys
We conduct in-depth botanical surveys and precise mapping using the National Vegetation Classification (NVC) system, providing crucial data to inform effective management and robust conservation strategies.
Meadow Management
We design and implement comprehensive, ongoing management plans for meadows, including specific cutting regimes, expertly tailored grazing advice, and enrichment planting to ensure long-term ecological success and biodiversity.
Educational Workshops
Our engaging workshops cater to communities, schools, and private groups, covering a range of topics from the practicalities of meadow creation to the intricacies of native plant identification, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
Heritage Plant Supply
We provide a curated selection of high-quality, locally sourced native plants and seeds, ideal for both private gardens and smaller-scale planting projects, ensuring genetic purity and ecological appropriateness.
From Seed to Thriving Meadow
Site Assessment & Survey
Our journey begins with a meticulous botanical survey and comprehensive soil analysis. These initial steps are crucial for understanding the unique ecological conditions of your site and establishing a precise baseline for conservation, guiding all subsequent interventions.
Ethical Seed Sourcing
We are committed to ethical practice, carefully collecting a small percentage of seed from designated local, species-rich donor sites or utilizing our expertly propagated stock. This ensures every seed mix we create is bespoke, of local provenance, and delivers the maximum ecological benefit.
Ground Preparation & Sowing
Site preparation is key: we meticulously prepare the ground to minimize competition from aggressive grasses and undesirable species. Sowing is then timed for the optimal season, ensuring the best possible conditions for successful germination and robust establishment of your new meadow.
Long-Term Management
A truly successful meadow is a living, evolving ecosystem requiring continuous care. We provide a detailed, multi-year management plan that includes precise cutting and removal schedules, along with expert advice, to ensure the long-term health and flourishing biodiversity of the habitat.
Our Landmark Projects
The Woodford Valley Meadow Creation
Location: Woodford Valley, Wiltshire
The Challenge:
To transform a 5-hectare field, previously dominated by uniform rye-grass pasture, into a vibrant, species-rich chalk grassland habitat—a landscape type critically endangered in the UK.
Our Solution:
A meticulously planned, multi-year strategic project that encompassed several key phases: careful dispersal of green hay sourced from an ecologically valuable Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), precise plug planting of key chalk grassland indicator species, and the implementation of a sensitively managed grazing regime to encourage diverse growth.
Before (2020)
After (2023)
The Outcome:
Within just three years, the site was thriving, supporting over 40 distinct native wildflower species, including the delicate Bee Orchid and robust Knapweed. This restoration led to a significant and measurable increase in populations of various butterfly species and native bees, truly revitalising the local ecosystem.
"Wessex Wildflower transformed our land into something truly magical. Their expertise and dedication were evident at every stage. We now have a landscape buzzing with life."
- Jasper Harding, Local Landowner
Salisbury Cathedral Close Hedgerow
Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire
The Challenge:
To significantly enhance biodiversity along a crucial historic boundary within the revered Salisbury Cathedral Close by establishing a new, ecologically rich native species hedgerow.
Our Solution:
Strategic planting of a 200-metre mixed native hedgerow, featuring a biodiverse selection of species including Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Hazel, and Field Maple, all meticulously sourced from locally grown stock to ensure genetic integrity and regional appropriateness.
Before (2021)
After (2023)
The Outcome:
The newly established hedgerow has successfully created a vital wildlife corridor and invaluable nesting habitat for indigenous bird species, significantly boosting local biodiversity. Furthermore, it now serves as an engaging educational resource, enriching the experience for visitors to the Cathedral Close.
"The team's profound knowledge of heritage species was absolutely invaluable. The new hedgerow not only thrives ecologically but also beautifully complements the historic setting of the Cathedral."
- Eleanor Vance, Head Groundsman, Salisbury Cathedral
Marlborough Downs Chalk Grassland Recovery
Location: Marlborough Downs, Wiltshire
The Challenge:
Rehabilitating 10 hectares of degraded chalk grassland, previously overgrazed and depleted of native species, to restore its characteristic flora and fauna.
Our Solution:
Implemented a phased approach to soil remediation, followed by targeted brush-harvested seed sowing from designated donor sites and strategic plug planting of rare chalk downland specialists, alongside a modified grazing management scheme.
Before (2019)
After (2023)
The Outcome:
A significant increase in key indicator species such as Cowslip and various orchids, along with a thriving community of butterflies including the Chalkhill Blue. The site is now a valued asset for local wildlife and walkers.
"Witnessing the incredible transformation on the Downs has been truly inspiring. Wessex Wildflower’s dedication to this nuanced ecosystem means so much to our community."
- Dr. Alistair Finch, Local Conservationist
River Nadder Floodplain Wetland Enhancement
Location: Near Tisbury, Wiltshire
The Challenge:
Restoring a 3-hectare section of flood-plain meadow adjacent to the River Nadder, suffering from agricultural nutrient runoff and reduced biodiversity, into a thriving wetland habitat.
Our Solution:
Implemented a complex water level management system, introduced species-rich wetland hay from a nearby untouched site, and carefully planted a diverse array of wetland flora suitable for riparian zones, followed by annual hay cuts.
Before (2020)
After (2023)
The Outcome:
The floodplain now boasts a rich tapestry of wetland plants, attracting a variety of wading birds and amphibians. Water quality in the adjacent river has improved, demonstrating the wider ecological benefits of the restoration.
"The transformation by the Nadder is phenomenal. It's not just beautiful to look at, but we've seen a real return of wildlife we hadn't seen in decades."
- Fiona Ramsay, Local Wildlife Trust Volunteer
Let's Grow Together
Whether you oversee extensive estates, manage a community green space, or nurture a cherished garden, we're eager to discuss how Wessex Wildflower can help you cultivate a richer, more diverse natural landscape brimming with native flora.
Reach Out & Connect
Our offices are located in the heart of Salisbury, easily accessible for consultations. We primarily serve Wiltshire and the wider Wessex region, but are open to discussing projects further afield.