A Swing Towards Sustainability: Natural Shoots brings together four Community volunteer groups to create a new Wildflower Meadow for Get Golfing.

We are proud to announce our latest large-scale conservation project in 2025: a new 1,200-square-metre native wildflower meadow at Winter Hill Golf Club in Cookham, Berkshire. This exciting initiative is the result of a new collaboration with Get Golfing Group, which commissioned the new wildflower meadow works at Natural Shoots' suggestion. 35 individuals contributed volunteer hours during four phases of preparation and seed sowing work. Volunteers came from Berkshire Careers Springboard, a jobseeker group, employees from Avanade, located in Maidenhead and Caversham, Cookham Explorer Scouts Club, and residents. Everyone involved has helped contribute to the largest new wildflower meadow habitat installation in “The Cookhams” in recent years. It covers 1,200 square meters.

From Fairway to Flourishing Meadow

Earlier this spring, essential groundwork was completed to prepare the site for transformation. Bits were dug to hold rotten timber to support the resident stag beetle population and the ground was harrowed. In late April, the first seeds were sown - a carefully selected mix of 16 native wildflower species: a diverse blend of annual wildflower seeds, perennial wildflower seeds, and yellow rattle designed to thrive in the chalky, aquifer-fed soils typical of The Cookhams. Selected from the 2024 harvest, the wildflower seed mix is high in purity, demonstrates excellent germination rates, and comes with full supply chain traceability, helping ensure a resilient, and long-lasting habitat for pollinators and invertebrates.

Looking Ahead: A Two-Stage Recovery Approach

This new wildflower plant habitat is just the first chapter. In the autumn, the project will expand with the restoration and re-laying of more than 1,000 metres of boundary hedge using native species - bringing layered biodiversity benefits and restoring ecological corridors around the golf course. Together, these efforts will expand a living, breathing landscape that supports wildlife, enhances the views for golfers and walkers on The Moor (adjacent to the 13th fairway), and contributes to wider rewilding goals in The Chilterns region.

Powered by People: A Community-Centred Project

What truly sets this project apart is the breadth and depth of community involvement. Over four phases of work, 35 volunteers contributed their time, knowledge, energy, and care to bring the new meadow to life. The Winter Hill grounds team will continue the vital work of watering and aftercare, working alongside the Natural Shoots team to ensure successful establishment and long-term impact.

Why It Matters

Edward Donald, Managing Director, Natural Shoots “Creating sustainable habitats is at the core of what we do. The new wildflower meadow at Winter Hill Golf Club is a fantastic example of how we work with the community and local businesses to boost biodiversity, improve soil health, and create stunning landscapes for people and nature to enjoy. The carefully selected meadow seed mix will thrive in the chalky soil, offering colour and life this summer and into the next year.” Our mission has always been about thoughtful, locally attuned landscape recovery, and this project embodies that vision.

What Our Collaborators Say

Ross Jones – Courses Director, Get Golfing Group, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Natural Shoots, Careers Springboard, businesses, and residents on this transformative project at Winter Hill Golf Club. This initiative reflects our commitment to enhancing the natural environment while engaging with the local community and local businesses to create a positive and lasting impact.”

Raj Patel, Chair, Careers Springboard, “Our volunteers are delighted to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Not only will it create a beautiful and wildlife-friendly space, but it also aligns with our mission of supporting individuals in their journey toward employment by fostering confidence and teamwork whilst harnessing the beneficial effects of being in nature.”

We are pleased to have initiated this far-reaching project and excited to see the meadow bloom as we move into summer. Whether you’re a golfer, a nature lover, or simply a passerby on The Moor, keep an eye out for a new burst of colour and life at Winter Hill.

To learn more about our meadow creation services or to explore how we can support your land recovery goals, get in touch with Natural Shoots. To read about a smaller-scale installation also completed in 2025, please look up the article about the 100 square metres of new wildflower meadow habitat at The Jolly Farmer pub in Cookham Dean, Berkshire. If you live near, or are visiting the area, do please come and see it and perhaps stay for a drink and maybe a meal too.