Fearnan Cowpark features species-rich, likely calcareous, grassland with wildflowers like thyme and rockrose, providing crucial habitat for many insects, including bumblebees and butterflies, and supporting birds and small mammals.This rare habitat relies on careful, traditional management, like grazing, to prevent overcrowding by coarse grasses and bracken, and maintains its value by preventing excessive fertilisation which harms diverse plant and invertebrate communities.
Key Characteristics
Herb-Rich Vegetation:
The grassland is likely rich in herbs, with purple thyme being a key indicator species. Other expected plants include rockrose, eyebright, and quaking grass.
Favorable Micro-Habitats:
A healthy species-rich grassland contains a variety of sward heights, with some short open areas for seedlings and dense tussocks for shelter.
Importance of Grazing:
The grassland is kept at a height of 5-15cm in summer and a shorter 2-7cm in the spring by appropriate livestock grazing or cutting.
Wildlife
Invertebrates:
It's a vital habitat for pollinators like bumblebees, hoverflies, and butterflies, which feed on the abundance of flowers.
Birds:
Small mammals, birds, amphibians, and bats are attracted to the abundant insects and plants. Ground-nesting birds also depend on such grasslands for breeding.
Nutrient Cycling:
Dung from grazing livestock creates habitat for invertebrates, which helps in nutrient recycling.
Threats and Management
Vulnerability to Agricultural Practices:
Species-rich grasslands are vulnerable to damage from fertiliser use, which encourages vigorous, coarse grasses and smothers wildflowers.
Bracken Invasion:
Bracken, if left unchecked, can smother the grassland, eliminating the diverse plants and invertebrates that it supports.
Importance of Traditional Management:
Continued traditional practices, such as appropriate grazing or cutting, are essential to prevent overcrowding and maintain the varied micro-habitats needed by plants and animals.