Legacy of Burge’s Meadow Founder to Support Exmoor Meadow Restoration
Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has welcomed donations, made in memory of the late founder of Burge’s Meadow who sadly passed away from terminal cancer in early 2026, supporting the Sowing the Seeds Project via CareMoor for Exmoor and vital work to restore species rich wildflower meadows across Exmoor.
Mark Burges Watson (known to friends and family as ‘Burge’) whose passion for nature and commitment to restoring wildflower landscapes inspired many - launched Burge’s Meadow with the aim of planting 1,000 acres of wildflower meadows across England and Wales by 2035.
Donations made in honour of the Burge’s Meadow founder will directly support meadow restoration: including harvesting and distributing locally sourced wildflower seed, conducting botanical and soil surveys, providing expert ecological guidance, and hosting volunteer, community, and school engagement activities.
The foundation expressed how fitting it is that contributions in Mark’s name will help restore the very landscapes he cherished: “Aptly, we signed our first commitment letter to create new meadows on Exmoor a few days before Burge died. He was over the moon about this and particularly chuffed that the site is in the same county as his family home.”
As external funding for the Sowing the Seeds project ended in March 2026, donations through CareMoor for Exmoor play a crucial role in ensuring its continuation. The project has already proven its effectiveness, forming the foundation for Exmoor’s ambitions to create 1,500 hectares of additional species-rich grassland by 2030 and support 11,500 hectares of nature friendly farming areas.
Lucy Cornwall, Sowing the Seeds Project Officer, said:
“The generosity shown in memory of Burge’s Meadow’s founder will create a lasting benefit for Exmoor’s wildlife, landscapes, and communities. His legacy will help wildflowers return to the places where they belong.”