At Bright Seeds, we pride ourselves on producing and supplying high-quality, UK-native wildflower seed, all from provenance-assured donor meadows. These meadows are more than just seed sources — they are showcases of ecological restoration, wildflower diversity, and long-term habitat creation. Each site has been carefully selected for its biodiversity value, soil compatibility, and success in establishing resilient, species-rich grasslands.
Below, we explore five favourite native wildflower meadows in our portfolio, with each contributing to the growing need for wildflower meadow restoration in the UK.
Rockley (Wiltshire) – Mature Calcareous Meadow
- Soil Type: Chalk / Calcareous
- Habitat Type: MG1 Grassland with strong MG5 affinities
- Species Count: 42 species (20 per m²)
An MG1 grassland located in Wiltshire on chalk soils displaying a fantastic display of wildflowers. Established over 13 years ago using a calcareous wildflower seed mix, this meadow has really come into its prime.
This year the Yellow Rattle has increased in population across the site, helping to hold the grasses back. This has led to more orchids present than we’ve seen before. An independent ecologist completed NVC survey in 2024 which found 42 different species at density of 20 species per m².
While it was concluded too be a MG1, it also showed close affinities with MG5 Lowland Meadow. Previously, this site produced a mixture with high density of wildflowers (74%) and low ratio of grass (2%) so excellent value for money.
- Key Wildflowers: Yellow Rattle, Wild Orchids
- Ideal For: Chalk grassland creation, MG5 grassland restoration, and conservation-grade native wildflower seed projects.
Lovedon Lane (Hampshire) – Community MG5 Meadow
- Soil Type: Calcareous / Free-draining
- Habitat Type: MG5 Lowland Meadow
- Creation Date: 2018
Established in 2018, Lovedon Lane is a thriving lowland meadow designed for a new housing development near Winchester. This community-focused site was created using native wildflower seed harvested by Bright Seeds, offering local residents a nature-rich green space with walkways and benches. We have worked closely with managers since its creation to maintain the quality of this meadow and now have the opportunity to harvest the seed for other projects.
Known for its recurring populations of Kidney Vetch and an increasing population of the nitrogen-fixing Sainfoin, Lovedon Lane demonstrates the power of wildflowers for pollinators and public wellbeing.
- Key Wildflowers: Kidney Vetch, Sainfoin
- Ideal For: Community native wildflower projects, urban edge meadows, and public access biodiversity sites
Roundway Down (Wiltshire) – Spectacular Lowland Calcareous Grassland
Roundway Down (Wiltshire) – Spectacular Lowland Calcareous Grassland- Soil Type: Chalk
- Habitat Type: Lowland Calcareous Grassland
A new native wildflower meadow addition for 2025, Roundway Down sits atop a stunning upland chalk ridge near Devizes. It is home to dense colonies of four orchid species: Common Spotted Orchid, Pyramid Orchid, Butterfly Orchid, and Fragrant Orchid — all thriving thanks to the thin, nutrient-poor soils that favour wildflowers.
Even during preliminary surveys, the floral richness was immediately clear. This site will provide premium wildflower seed for chalk soils, ideal for high-end biodiversity and conservation work.
- Key Wildflowers: Common Spotted Orchid, Pyramid Orchid, Butterfly Orchid, Fragrant Orchid, Quaking Grass
- Ideal For: Calcareous grassland creation, orchid-rich sites, premium landscape restoration
Stratton (Wiltshire) – Horseshoe Vetch Hotspot
- Soil Type: Chalk valley soil
- Habitat Type: MG5 (pending)
This meadow stood out as something special the first time we visited in 2024 due to the abundance of Horseshow Vetch present across the meadow. Nestled in the picturesque Wylye Valley in Wiltshire, this 5-hectare meadow is a prime example of a thriving wildflower habitat, showcasing a diverse mix of species that bloom throughout the season.
This summer we are completing an NVC survey on the site through an independent ecologist which will be available to customers once complete. Its priority habitat status is Lowland Calcareous Grassland so will likely conclude as an MG5 Lowland Meadow.
- Key Wildflowers: Horseshoe Vetch, Birds-foot Trefoil (likely)
- Ideal For: Agri-environment schemes, chalk meadow creation, species-rich grassland for butterflies
Chettle (Dorset) – Farmland Native Wildflower Success Story
Chettle (Dorset) – Farmland Native Wildflower Success Story- Soil Type: Light loam / calcareous margins
- Habitat Type: Arable margin / grassland restoration
Chettle is a shining example of how wildflowers can be integrated into working farmland. Located in Dorset, the landowner converted margins and small plots using a high-flora mix from Charles Flower, establishing it in 2017. With over 25 species identified during pre-harvest assessments, this is now a dependable donor site.
Thanks to consistent weed control and rotational care, the site not only supports pollinators and birds, but also provides seed for farm-scale habitat restoration in similar soil conditions.
- Key Wildflowers: Greater Knapweed, Red Clover, Oxeye Daisy
- Ideal For: Farmland biodiversity, arable margin restoration, Countryside Stewardship inclusion
Supporting Wildflowers, Supporting Biodiversity
Whether you are working on grassland restoration, planning a community wildflower meadow, or enhancing farm margins for pollinators and wildlife, we are here to help advise and supply the right UK native wildflower mix tailored to your soil type and ecological goals.
Each of these donor sites showcases the potential of wildflower habitats when established with the right seed and management. They offer not just seed — but conservation!
You can see our full range of harvested native wildflower mixtures here.
We also offer contract harvesting and seed processing services for individual customers. This is popular with projects where a donor site has been identified locally with specific species required. This service is available for sites across the south of England to sites. For interest in this service please get in touch at Megan Townley, Wildflower Seed Development Manager.