A CONSERVATION charity is determined to restore ‘internationally important’ hay meadows at a Cumbrian farm to ‘top condition’ for wildlife after taking over responsibility for the site.

“Bowberhead has some of the most fantastic wildflower-rich meadows that survive in the North of England,” said Stephen Trotter, CEO of Cumbria Wildlife Trust (CWT), which has taken care of the farm in lieu of inheritance tax.

“Recent surveys have identified more than 92 different species of wildflower here.

“It’s extraordinarily beautiful during the short summer flowering season, with a profusion of northern specialities like wood crane’s-bill, melancholy thistle, great burnet, saw-wort and lady’s mantles.

“The proportion of flower to grass is exceptionally high here, which gives meadows like these their local name of ‘herbie’ meadows.”

Bowberhead Farm, near Kirkby Stephen, was transferred to CWT as part of the settlement of the estate of well-known naturalist and scientist Juliet Frankland, who died in 2013.

And, having taken charge of the farm, CWT is on a mission restore the site to something of its former glory.

Mr Trotter said the charity’s aim was to create ‘ a joined-up network of restored wildflower-rich grasslands across Cumbria and northern England.’

He said a path would be opened up to allow visitors to enjoy the flowers and the landscape.

“It’s no exaggeration to say these types of meadow are the most vulnerable of all habitats in our county,” he said.

“Even small changes in management can result in species being lost.

“They’re now genuinely rare in Cumbria and the North of England, with the vast majority having disappeared over the last 100 years.

“So we are thrilled to take on the task of looking after and protecting this precious part of our living heritage for the future.”

There is currently no public access to the farm but a virtual tour, created by Colin Aldred of Aerial Artwork, can be accessed by visiting 360.goterest.com/sphere/bowberhead-farm.