Name: Big Chalk
Price range: $

Lead organisation

Cotswolds National Landscape

Project description

The Glorious Cotswold Grasslands (GCG) programme, launched in 2019 by the Cotswolds National Landscape, is driving the restoration of wildflower grasslands across the region. Now in its sixth year of delivery, GCG is a well-established programme with no set end date, recognising that grassland restoration is a long-term endeavour that can take decades. It understands that landowners will need continued support as they progress through their restoration projects.

Over the past six years, GCG has successfully revitalised more than 450 hectares of wildflower meadows throughout the Cotswolds. Central to this success is a unique approach using two bespoke brush-seed harvesters, which collect wildflower seed from a carefully selected network of donor sites. This seed is then spread across recipient sites each autumn, following thorough site surveys and preparation by landowners.

The result is the careful preservation of local wildflower genetics, with donor seed matched to sites based on similar soil types, aspects, and geographical location. With a strong and dedicated team of volunteers supporting every aspect of the project – from seed harvesting to botanical surveys and app development – GCG keeps costs low, offering high-quality, locally sourced seed that’s more affordable than commercially harvested alternatives. GCG is shaping the future of Cotswold wildflower meadows, one seed at a time.

The programme wouldn’t be possible without the vital support of its major funders. Thanks to the commitment of Severn Trent Water, Thames Water, and the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, wildflower-rich Jurassic limestone grasslands are being restored at scale, strengthening nature recovery across the Cotswolds and beyond. Their support enables the programme to work with farmers and landowners, provide expert guidance, and create thriving habitats that benefit biodiversity, water quality, and climate resilience.

Project location

GCG covers the whole of the Cotswolds National Landscape and covering 15 local authority areas.

Contribution to Big Chalk

The Glorious Cotswold Grasslands (GCG) programme is on a mission to create the UK’s largest network of wildflower-rich Jurassic limestone grasslands, having already restored over 450 hectares. This progress has made a powerful contribution to the Cotswolds Nature Recovery Plan and Big Chalk’s vision for a thriving chalk and limestone landscape. At the heart of GCG’s success is its strong partnership with local farmers, landowners, and land managers, working together to achieve restoration through tailored approaches. Whether driven by funding, biodiversity benefits, or the wide-reaching ecosystem services such as improved water quality and resilience to climate change, landowners are engaged by the multitude of benefits restoration offers.

A key focus within Big Chalk’s vision is the creation of scrub-grassland mosaics, which GCG champions by promoting grazing management that supports biodiversity. By leaving longer, tussocky grasslands for overwintering wildlife and maintaining scrub areas for nesting birds, GCG ensures that its grasslands thrive alongside a rich mosaic of habitats. Through dedicated winter habitat work, volunteers play a vital role in managing scrub encroachment on steep slopes, allowing unimproved grasslands to flourish while maintaining vital biodiversity.

A vibrant display of yellow, purple, and pink wildflowers blooming in the grassy landscape of the Cotswolds. The flowers are scattered across the field, adding pops of color against the green grass and rolling hills in the background.

Two people walking through a golden wildflower meadow, surrounded by rolling green countryside with traditional farm buildings in the distance. The tall grasses suggest a late summer setting, as the pair explore the landscape under a clear sky.

A close-up of a diverse wildflower meadow, showcasing a mix of pink, yellow, and white flowers, including clover and kidney vetch, interspersed among tall grasses. The bright colors contrast against the greenery, with a blue sky and wispy clouds above.

A vibrant summer chalk grassland scene featuring bright pink pyramidal orchids and yellow wildflowers under a blue sky with scattered white clouds. The flowers stand tall among lush green grass, with trees lining the horizon in the background.

Do you have a project that could strengthen the future of southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes?

The Big Chalk programme brings together a dynamic suite of partner-led projects, each unique in its focus, area, and partnerships but sharing a commitment to our collective vision.

If your project contributes to the Big Chalk mission, we invite you to register it as a Big Chalk Project. Registered projects gain access to networking, shared learning, and best practice—alongside the Big Chalk brand, boosting your profile and connecting you to a powerful, growing network of partners.

Together, these projects form a united effort to secure the future of southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes, making a lasting impact for nature and communities.