HAYMAKERS will be rolling back the years in their hopes to transform part of a common into a wildflower meadow.

Malvern Hills Conservators are working with the University of Worcester on an innovative project to introduce orchids and other wildflowers to the Link Common.

The move plays a small part in attempts to regain some of wildflower meadows lost over the last 80 years across England.

The plan is to take newly cut hay and wildflowers from Malvern Common, off Poolbrook Road, where thousands of orchids have flourished this season, and spread them on an area of Link Common.

The ground at the Link Common will be specially prepared by harrowing, which will create small areas of bare ground.

The seeds from the cut wildflowers will fall out of the hay as it is spread, and will be able to germinate on the bare patches.

Deputy conservation officer Jenny Grantham said: “We plan to try spreading the green hay over a relatively small area this year but if this is successful, we will carry out similar work across a larger area of Link Common.”

Students from the University of Worcester will be working alongside Conservators staff on the project, and will also be taking some of the hay to a field at the university, hoping to transfer some of the flower seeds there.

Dr Duncan Westbury of the university said: “I am delighted that the Conservators are making such a positive contribution towards the drive to create and restore species-rich meadows. We need such areas throughout the landscape and not just in nature reserves. The Conservators are helping to create stepping stones for biodiversity in the area.