Traditional haymaking festival for families at Mottey Meadows
14 June 2010
Hay meadows are well known as a fantastic habitat for wild plants and over the centuries their traditional management has played a key part in the lives of generations of farmers and in the farming year.
On Saturday 19th June, Natural England and the Friends of Mottey Meadows will be hosting a Family Haymaking Festival to celebrate and enjoy the ancient art of traditional haymaking and to showcase this beautiful National Nature Reserve and its internationally important hay meadows.
The Festival will run from 10am-4pm and everyone is welcome to join a series of walks, trails, children’s activities, demonstrations and craft displays throughout the day. They are free of charge.
The day will also include a wildflower identification workshop led by Shirley Burton. Anyone who would like to guarantee a place on this workshop, starting at 11 am., should contact Natural England on 0300 060 0583.
2010 is the International Year of Biodiversity and people all over the world are working to safeguard our irreplaceable natural wealth and reduce biodiversity loss. This is vital for current and future human wellbeing. Natural England is one of over 380 organisations across the UK supporting the Year by raising awareness of the risks that biodiversity loss imposes on people and nature.
Mel Brown, Reserve Manager for the Staffordshire National Nature Reserves said:
“The Haymaking Festival will provide a unique opportunity for people to celebrate these internationally important hay meadows through a series of interactive activities that really will be fun for everyone.”
Mottey Meadows NNR is located just outside Wheaton Aston near Stafford. Car parking will be available at St Mary’s First School, signposted from the village centre. Refreshments will be available but you are welcome to bring a picnic. All activities are free.
For more information about the Mottey Meadows Hay Festival, ring 0300 060 0583.
A pic of last year’s event is available
There are 16 National Nature Reserves in the West Midlands Region
For more information visit www.naturalengland.org.uk
Some Reserves operate restricted or seasonal access. Please check before your visit.
For press information contact: Judie Kellie on 01299 896 555/ 07973 744161 judie@jkpr.co.uk or Dean Gallen on Dean.G.Gallen@naturalengland.org.uk
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Notes to editors:
Natural England is the government’s independent adviser on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
National Nature Reserves were initially established to protect sensitive features and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research. Their purpose has widened since those early days. As well as managing some of our most pristine habitats, our rarest species and our most significant geology, most NNRs now offer great opportunities to the public as well as schools and specialist audiences to experience England’s natural heritage.
Natural England is the body empowered to declare NNRs in England, the Reserves being a selection of the very best parts of England’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest. It is this underlying designation, which gives NNRs their strong legal protection. The majority also have European nature conservation designations.
