Display celebrating under-threat meadowlands opens

Meadows are one of Britain’s most critically endangered habitats with around 97% of native areas lost since the 1930s

An exhibition at a West Sussex visitor attraction is celebrating one of the most at-risk habitats in the English countryside.

Wakehurst near Ardingly is inviting visitors to explore this summer’s living display called ‘Meadowland'.

Meadows - where tall grasses and wild flowers play host to many different species of wildlife - are one of Britain’s most critically-endangered habitats, with around 97% of native areas lost since the 1930s.

According to experts at Wakehurst, that’s due to a rapidly changing agricultural landscape, modern methods of food production and a high demand for land from property developers.

Iain Parkinson, head of landscape & horticulture at Wakehurst, said: "These days, meadows mean different things to different people.

"To an ecologist, they're treasure trove of botanical jewels. To the scientist, living laboratory and perhaps for the rest of us, just a wonderful example of nature at its best."

‘Meadowland' runs at Wakehurst until 10th September

Central to the exhibition is a series of art installations, specially commissioned for the site.

There’s also an an audio-visual piece revealing what life might be like from a bee’s perspective.

‘Meadowland' runs at Wakehurst until 10th September.