Science of King's College's wildflower meadows

The ecological restoration of this wildflower meadow involved rethinking standard practices. At King’s College, Cambridge, a centuries-old lawn has been transformed into a thriving wildflower meadow—a bold experiment in biodiversity, rewilding, and ecological restoration. In this film, Head Gardener Steve Coghill shares the fascinating story of how the project began, the unexpected role of soil science, and why the team went against traditional wisdom to create a meadow that now supports pollinators, birds, bats, and rich soil life. You’ll discover: Why King’s College turned part of its historic lawn into a wildflower meadow. How soil research revealed surprising phosphorus levels from Cambridge’s medieval past. The role of yellow rattle in keeping grasses in check. How traditional methods like harvesting with shire horses blend with modern science. Why this project has inspired schools, colleges, and communities across Cambridge. This award-winning project demonstrates how evidence-based conservation can reshape even the most historic landscapes. Second part filmed by Anil Madhavapeddy. Reference Marshall, C. A. M., et al. (2023). Urban wildflower meadow planting for biodiversity, climate and society: An evaluation at King's College, Cambridge. Ecological Solutions and Evidence, 4, e12243. https://doi.org/10.1002/2688-8319.12243 Keywords: wildflower meadows, biodiversity, rewilding, conservation, ecological restoration, sustainable gardening, pollinators, soil science, habitat restoration