Chapter Meadows was purchased on behalf of the people of Worcester by the Duckworth Worcestershire Trust in October 1998. The Trust works to protect this superb natural site, in the heart of the city, from development.
It is managed in a manner to safeguard its landscape, wildlife and historical importance. Seasonal flooding of the meadow, by the River Severn, has resulted in an landscape unchanged since records began.
Throughout history the meadows has been cut for hay and then grazed by cattle for the rest of the summer and autumn providing the Romans, Norman Monks and subsequently Worcester Cathedral with food. This traditional management, which continues today during the spring and summer months has allowed flower,bird, insect and mammal inhabitants to thrive. The meadows form part of the wildlife corridor that passes through the centre of Worcester city.
Chapter Meadows has an array of biodiversity. Species to look out for include the Club-tailed Dragonfly, Kestrel, Little Owl, Tawny Owl, Kingfisher and a variety of Bats. The site is managed by Worcester City Council, who have with the Trust undertaken an ambitious programme of restoration projects with the help of Countryside Stewardship funding this work includes ditch clearance, replanting of native hedgerows along original boundaries and installation of stock proof fencing, bridges and kissing gates. The meadows are now under an on going maintenance plan to ensure its upkeep for the future.
We monitor the success of the maintenance work by carrying out regular indicator surveys.For events on the meadows please click here for more information
