Grassland Connections

By restoring and connecting grasslands across the Mendip Hills, the Cotswolds and beyond, our Grassland Connections programme will ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable and iconic species such as these :

The Glow Worm is an iconic species of calcareous grasslands that has seen a worrying national decline. Glow Worms are particularly sensitive to habitat quality, requiring undisturbed grasslands with low nutrient levels and patches of longer grass for mating displays.

One of the key beneficiaries will be the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly, classified as vulnerable. This species requires species-rich grasslands with abundant devil’s-bit scabious, the plant on which its larvae feed.

Similarly, the Small Pearl-bordered Fritillary and the Grayling Butterfly, both of which are endangered or vulnerable, thrive in open, sunny areas within calcareous grasslands. Graylings, in particular, need patches of bare ground for basking and egg-laying, so maintaining open, well-managed grassland habitats will be crucial for their survival.

Another species that will benefit is the Chalkhill Blue Butterfly, which depends on horseshoe vetch, a plant that grows in calcareous soils. This butterfly’s populations are highly localised and vulnerable to habitat fragmentation which undermines the genetic diversity of the population. By connecting fragmented patches of grassland we aim to help reverse these declines.

Our smallest resident butterfly, the Small Blue, is dependent on kidney vetch for breeding, which grows in chalk and limestone grasslands. Similarly to the Chalkhill Blue, the species is often confined to small patches of grassland where kidney vetch occurs, and the remaining populations in the West of England are at risk of being lost without action to expand and connect their habitat.

Our programme will also support the conservation of rare fungi, such as Blushing Waxcap, Big Blue Pinkgill, and Olive Earthtongue, which serve as indicators of healthy calcareous grasslands. These fungi rely on undisturbed soils and traditional grazing regimes that prevent scrub from encroaching.

In addition, the nationally rare plant Bath Asparagus will benefit from the restoration of calcareous grasslands, especially around its stronghold near Bath.

Many projects already contribute to the aims of Grassland Connections. In designing the overall programme, we will knit these individual projects, and new projects, together so that they add up to the landscape-scale, ‘Big Chalk’ vision. We are also working closely with National Landscapes teams in the Cotswolds and Mendips to ensure that their bids to the new Heritage Lottery Fund ‘Landscape Connections’ Fund – aimed at delivery within National Landscapes – contribute to the objectives of Grassland Connections.

Some of the projects which are up and running and will contribute directly to our Grassland Connections ambitions include:

Avon Wildlife Trust Pollinator Pathways (“B-Lines”):  Part of a national network of “B-Lines”, this Buglife initiative creates wildflower-rich habitats to support pollinators in strategically important corridors, enabling vital species such as bees and butterflies to thrive and move around in otherwise fragmented landscapes.

Bathscape: This initiative focuses on restoring the natural heritage of the Bath area, including the various grassland habitats in the surrounding hills. Whilst conserving species-rich grasslands and other habitats, Bathscape also emphasises the importance of access to nature for local communities and the careful development of sustainable tourism in the area.

Commons Connections: This four-year initiative focuses on restoring, improving, and connecting green spaces across South Gloucestershire and East Bristol – currently involving over 80 local sites.  Commons Connections works to reverse local declines in biodiversity and enhance the resilience of species impacted by habitat fragmentation, by reintroducing grazing animals, planting wildflowers and creating community orchards and creating valuable corridors for wildlife movement.

Limestone Link: Currently in development, this partnership programme will be specifically focused on the area between the Mendip Hills and the Cotswolds around the Limestone Link footpath, delivering better-protected and ecologically enhanced habitats, including grasslands. As well as working with landholders and other stakeholders to enhance the character and quality of the landscape, Limestone Link aims to improve the area’s declining water quality and provide better recreational and engagement opportunities in our grasslands and other habitats.

Somer Valley Rediscovered: This is a partnership led by Bath & North East Somerset Council, with support from Wessex Water, Natural England and local communities. It aims to improve biodiversity and connect local people to their greenspaces, enhancing health and wellbeing. Focused on the Somer Valley area, including Radstock, Midsomer Norton, and Paulton, the initiative has received funding from the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund to restore grasslands, manage woodlands, and improve watercourses across key sites .