Long Mead

Long Mead Foundation is a charity based at Long Mead, an Oxfordshire farm and Local Wildlife Site on the River Thames at Swinford. Owned and managed by Catriona Bass and Kevan Martin, the 10-hectare site combines a rare floodplain hay meadow with freshwater habitats, woodland and a traditional orchard. The farm produces hay and grazing without pesticides or fertilisers and sells orchard produce locally, supporting a small-scale approach to sustainable agriculture.

The Foundation works to restore nature, protect biodiversity and connect communities with the local landscape. Its initiatives include the Thames Valley Wildflower Meadow Restoration Project, which works with farmers and landowners to restore floodplain meadows; the Long Mead Biodiversity Research Project, which brings together academics, environmental experts and farming knowledge; and a community-led Nature Recovery Network. Long Mead also offers social farming, educational visits, school resources, workshops and training, including meadow restoration and hedge-laying. Its work includes meadow restoration, biodiversity research, community engagement and collaboration with schools, universities, government bodies and environmental organisations.