RESEARCH by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has revealed a startling decline in the state of England's meadows and pastures.

The findings show that unimproved grasslands are disappearing rapidly from the English landscape.

Worcestershire is one of the worst-hit counties, having lost three-quarters of its unimproved grasslands.

All over the UK, butterflies and wildflowers depend on these grasslands and are in serious decline.

The report says the Government's agri-environment schemes, which have had a positive effect in many areas, must be bolstered by further reform to prevent more losses.

The Wildlfe Trusts and Plantlife are calling for the urgent improvement of these schemes.

They want to see more farms being encouraged to participate in the projects and an improved focus on the retention of unimproved grasslands.

They are also keen to see greater employment of farmers' skills and knowledge.

"It's vital that our last remaining wildlife-rich grasslands are protected," said Colin Raven, director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.

"The Government's agri-environment schemes have been a success in many areas and this success must be built on to stop the disappearance of what we have left."

The organisations are also calling for the implementation of the recommendations contained in a recent report on the future of food and farming.

These include switching more funds from food production to environmental stewardship.

An Open Afternoon on Saturday, May 18, at one of Britain's finest remaining wildflower meadows will provide the chance to see this disappearing feature of the countryside.

It takes place at Eades Meadow, near Hanbury, which is cared for by Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and will feature guided walks with botanical experts. For more information, call the Trust on 01905 754 919.