Date and time
Friday 19 June 2026
9.30am to 4.30pm (registration from 8.45am)
Saturday 20 June 2026
9.30am to 1pm
Location
Wakehurst
Meeting at main car park
Price
Two-day ticket: £45
Tickets coming soon
More info
Friday 19 June (lunch and refreshments included)
Saturday 20 June (no lunch and refreshments included)
Explore how cutting-edge meadow science can be applied in the real world.
Kew Wakehurst, in partnership with the High Weald National Landscapes team and Middle Marches Community Land Trust invites land managers, ecologists, farmers, gardeners, researchers and anyone passionate about wildflower meadows to a two-day conference.
From soils and fungi to seeds, pollination, grazing and nature-connectedness, this year’s programme brings together an inspiring line-up of speakers and practitioners working at the forefront of meadow ecology. Whether you manage a large estate, community greenspace or your own garden meadow, you will leave with practical knowledge you can immediately put into action.
The conference will take place in a 250-seat marquee set within Yew Tree Meadow, beside the Millennium Seed Bank, one of the most important conservation sites in the world and the perfect setting to explore the future of species-rich grasslands.
Why attend?
Healthy meadows don’t happen by accident. They are the result of understanding complex relationships between soil biology, plants, insects, grazing animals and people.
This conference focuses on bridging the gap between science and practice, helping you understand scientific findings and apply them successfully to restore or create biodiverse meadows.
- How soil structure and microbial life influence meadow success
- The critical role of fungi and mycorrhizal networks
- Practical approaches to establishing and managing wildflower communities
- Pollination ecology and supporting insect populations
- Seed selection, provenance and establishment techniques
- The use of grazing as a management tool
- How meadows support wellbeing and human connection with nature
Friday 19 June 2026
A full day of:
- Expert presentations
- Panel discussions
- Flash talks
- Audience Q&A sessions
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- Please indicate any dietary requirements when booking
Saturday 20 June
Field and practical day including:
- Guided meadow walks
- Demonstrations
- Practical management sessions
- Informal talks with practitioners and researchers
- A chance to explore the rich matrix of Wakehurst’s meadows
- Landowners and estate managers
- Farmers and graziers
- Ecologists and conservation professionals
- Gardeners and meadow enthusiasts
- Students and researchers
Wakehurst, Ardingly, Haywards Heath, Sussex, RH17 6TN.
Nearest train station is Haywards Heath, which has a taxi rank outside.
Bus transport to Wakehurst is limited.
For more information, click here.
Overnight camping
Wakehurst may consider opening up a field for overnight camping depending on capacity and demand.
Camping facilities will be basic including toilet facilities.