Meadow

Creating A Wildflower Meadow

Starting with a coarse grazing field in 2020 we are working to transform it into a flower rich meadow over a number of years. The wildflower meadow will provide habitat for many more butterflies, bees, other invertebrates and small mammals.

Our plan is to scythe the grass at least once each year and remove the cuttings. This slowly reduces the soil fertility (though our clay is naturally very fertile) and encourages wild flowers and less vigorous grasses.

We add wild flower and meadow grass seed into patches of bared ground in the autumn and have planted some wild flower plugs donated from local gardens.

We are beginning to see results with Yellow Rattle, Meadow Cranesbill, Yarrow and other flowers starting to appear but it's going to be a slow and steady process.

At present the cuttings are composted but we hope in the future to make hay suitable for local horses and ponies.

Help with this work is always welcome!