In total, there are 65 ha of grassland and woodland trails at Belvedere Estate. The estate has incorporated sustainable land management practices, with a focus on enhancing nature and supporting native species. The grassland meadows are actively managed for biodiversity. This includes promoting the growth of wildflowers by replicating traditional hay meadow management, with one cut seasonally.
The meadows at Belvedere House and Gardens are home to a rich variety of native plant species. Among the most prominent are wildflowers such as Oxeye Daisy, buttercups, Red Clover, Common Knapweed, Yellowrattle, Meadow Vetchling and Common Spotted-orchid, which create vibrant bursts of colour and provide essential resources for pollinators. The meadows also support a diversity of grasses, including species like Meadow Fescue, Sweet Vernal-grass, Quaking-grass, Yorkshire-fog, which create the foundational structure of the habitat. Together, these plants attract a variety of wildlife, including bees, butterflies, hoverflies, dragonflies and moths, contributing to pollination and overall ecosystem health. The meadows also support Foxes, Red Squirrel, bats, Irish Hare, Badger, Pygmy Shrew, Wood Mouse, many species of bird life, and macro and micro invertebrates. Together, they create a balanced, thriving ecosystem that changes with the seasons, offering year-round interest and ecological benefits.
