A team of heavy horses is helping to create new wildflower meadows on one of central Cambridge’s historic open spaces this autumn.

The project, a partnership between Cambridge City Council and King’s College Cambridge, will see two new native wildflower meadow areas prepared using traditional methods, near to the University Arms Hotel on Parker’s Piece.

Following some initial preparatory work, on Wednesday 14 October heavy horses will transport 30 bales of green hay from the established meadow on the lawn in front of King’s College Chapel.

This green hay will be used at Parker’s Piece to supplement the same mix of local wildflower seeds successfully used to establish the King’s College meadow.

Despite this year’s extreme heat and drought, the King’s College meadow remained green until its hay was cut in August and was full of pollinating insects and other species – in contrast to other large expanses of grass and lawn across the city and beyond which were badly affected by the extreme conditions.

Since becoming established just a few years ago, the King’s College meadow has been colonised by several species of orchid, as well as by native wildflowers – and it is hoped that this will now also be the case at Parker’s Piece.

Planting native wildflower meadows is one of the ways the council is working to improve biodiversity in open spaces across the city as part of its Biodiversity Strategy. 

When mature, the Parker’s Piece meadow will form part of an inter-linked network of habitats across the city and beyond, which contribute to the wider Cambridge Nature Network.

Parker’s Piece wildflower meadow - Timetable of activities October 2026

Mon 5-Wed 7 October - Mechanical removal of existing turf organic matter, creation of seed beds and drilling of wildflower seeds

Mon 12 October - Heavy horses on Parker’s Piece undertaking traditional ground preparation techniques using vintage kit

Wed 14 October – Heavy horses carry bales of green hay from King’s College main entrance, along Trumpington Street, Downing Street and Regent Street to Parker’s Piece from around 11am.

Cllr Martin Smart, Cabinet Member for Nature, Open Space and City Services, said: “It has been a privilege to work with King’s College on this project and I’m really looking forward to what should be a spectacular sight of heavy horses making their way through the city centre to help with the work establishing a new meadow on one of our most beloved open spaces.

“This is just one of the many projects which form part of the city council’s Biodiversity Strategy for the city – which aims to reverse biodiversity decline, strengthen ecological resilience, and embed nature at the heart of our communities— to bring about environmental, social, and health benefits long into the future.”