A rare floodplain meadow on the River Nene's banks at Earls Barton, near Northampton, is set to be transformed into a haven for wildlife after being donated to conservation charity. The six-hectare White Mills Meadow has been gifted by the Thompson family to the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire, marking a major boost to regional conservation efforts.
The addition will bring the Trust's Northamptonshire nature reserves to 34. Conservation Manager Matt Johnson emphasised that floodplain meadows are critically endangered, with only around 2,000 hectares remaining in England.
The Trust has thanked the Thompson family for their generosity and commitment to preserving the land. Restoration efforts will involve reintroducing traditional practices such as regular hay cuts, alongside conservation grazing to manage vegetation and promote a healthy ecosystem.
Floodplain meadows historically played a vital role in supporting local wildlife and storing rainwater during winter months. They are also renowned for producing nectar-rich flowers that provide essential food and habitat for hundreds of insect species.
This donation aligns with the Trust's strategy to combat biodiversity loss, following their comprehensive plan unveiled in March 2025 to reverse declining wildlife populations across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire. According to the Trust, UK wildlife has suffered a 19% decline since 1970, with nearly one in six species facing extinction.