The initiative, driven by the college’s student sustainability group, will transform the lawn in front of the main campus building into a nature-rich space in the heart of the city.

As well as providing food and habitat for pollinators such as bumblebees and butterflies, urban meadows can help cool their surroundings and improve air quality by filtering pollutants.

The project has been supported by Herefordshire Meadows through its Meadow Connections project, funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Herefordshire Council is supporting the initiative and will manage the meadow as it develops.

Jess Bugler, Sustainability Lead at Hereford College of Arts, said:

“This initiative is the culmination of many years of hard work and planning. We are very grateful for the support of Herefordshire Council in enabling us to carry out such a transformative initiative which will help nature, create a visually striking space at the centre of our campus, and improve student wellbeing.”

Herefordshire Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Culture and the Environment, Councillor Elissa Swinglehurst, added:

“It’s great to see students taking the initiative to create a space that will benefit both people and nature.

“Wildflower meadows can make a real difference in urban areas, providing valuable habitat for pollinators while creating attractive green spaces for people to enjoy. We’re pleased to support the college and look forward to seeing the meadow develop.”

The project also forms part of wider efforts to create more opportunities for nature across Herefordshire, while encouraging people to consider what they can do in their own gardens and communities.

For more information about the Meadow Connections project and how to create a mini meadow of your own, visit Herefordshire Meadows.