Inspired by the idea of doing something positive for their local environment, Yvette Verner and her husband Mike bought a small field close to their home in the south of England. With the bountiful assistance of nature they created a flower meadow which attracts a rich variety of wildlife, including badgers, deer and a multitude of birds and butterflies. In this book Yvette tells the story of their meadow: how they designed the layout, selected and planted wild flowers, trees and hedges and spent many absorbing hours wildlife-watching. Meadows such as theirs support large populations of plants, insects, birds and other animals, and are extremely important in maintaining the ecological diversity of our countryside. Many meadow species that farmers and gardeners consider to be weeds are host to other forms of wildlife: the modest oxeye daisy alone supports over twenty species of insect! "The meadow is still flourishing and each year is delightful and different. It is particularly wonderful to see our four grandchildren enjoying it so much." - Mike Verner, Yvette's husband

For Yvette Verner, there is nothing to compare with the unspoiled beauty of an ancient meadow on a hot summeris day. Here she shares her passion for English meadows with gentle humour and wonderful lyrical prose, drawing you into the spirit of these special places, and showing you what flora and fauna to look out for. Through evocative descriptions of different types of meadow and the activities surrounding them, English Meadows gives a detailed picture of country ways of life going back to Medieval times, including: farming, buildings, tools, crafts, traditions, wildlife and a list of national meadow reserves. Drawing on personal experience of managing her own meadow, the author discusses the importance of meadows to wildlife today, and the vital nature of the conservation work that is carried out in preserving them.